Kitengela:Kajiado: Construction of the Kajiado Jitume Digital Centre of Excellence has commenced with the laying of its foundation stone, marking a significant step toward expanding access to digital skills and employment opportunities for young people in the county.
According to Kenya News Agency, Kajiado East MP Hamisi Kakuta Maimai, along with officials from the Technopolis Development Authority (TDA) and other government agencies, participated in the foundation stone ceremony in Kitengela. The center is anticipated to be completed by May next year, providing modern digital infrastructure and training facilities for young people, innovators, creatives, and entrepreneurs to engage in the digital economy.
Maimai highlighted the benefits of the project, emphasizing that it would save residents the trouble of traveling to Nairobi or Kajiado town for digital services. He encouraged young people to utilize the facility to acquire skills that would enhance their livelihoods.
The centre will offer training in emerging digital fields such as artificial intelligence, robotics, software development, cloud computing, cybersecurity, data analytics, and digital content creation. It will also provide collaborative workspaces and high-speed internet to foster innovation and entrepreneurship.
Additionally, the facility will offer e-Citizen and Huduma services, reducing the need for Kitengela residents to travel for government services. TDA’s Chief Manager for Construction, Operation and Management, Eng. Anthony Sang, stated that the Centres of Excellence aim to create environments for young people to acquire digital skills and create opportunities.
Since the Jitume Digital Enablement Programme began in 2023, it has deployed nearly 30,000 digital devices and trained over 100,000 young people, with 91,428 accessing digital jobs. The programme plans to establish a Centre of Excellence in every county, alongside over 300 Jitume Digital Hubs nationwide.
Kajiado County Commissioner Michael Yator urged residents to take full advantage of the facility, assuring them that it was established for their benefit. He also mentioned other government projects in Kajiado, including markets, hostels, roads, and affordable housing units. The Jitume Digital Enablement Programme is a collaborative effort by TDA, the Communications Authority of Kenya, ICT Authority, and the National Government Constituencies Development Fund, as part of the government’s initiative to expand digital infrastructure and foster participation in the digital economy.
