Wajir: More than 180 youths from Wajir East Constituency have graduated after completing a six-week digital skills training programme on artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and online safety. The initiative aims to improve employability and promote responsible use of digital platforms.
According to Kenya News Agency, the training was implemented by Huawei in collaboration with the Ministry of Information, Communications and The Digital Economy, and supported by the National Government. It targeted over 200 youths from the constituency, with 180 successfully completing the course. Speaking during the graduation ceremony, Culture and Heritage Principal Secretary Umi Bashir commended the trainees for investing their time in acquiring skills relevant to the digital economy, noting strong participation by young women.
Bashir emphasized the importance of the digital world as a source of opportunities, encouraging the graduates to leverage their skills for employment or self-employment. She urged the graduates to participate in global competitions and opportunities linked to Huawei programmes, including international innovation challenges. Bashir also acknowledged Wajir East MP Adan Daud for advocating digital legislation and supporting youth-focused initiatives, emphasizing that the training aligns with national laws on cyber safety and digital innovation.
Wajir County Commissioner Karuku Ngumo highlighted the programme’s role in reducing costs for youths who would otherwise travel outside the county for similar training. He stressed the importance of applying knowledge responsibly, particularly under the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act, 2018, and cautioned against the misuse of social media that could have legal consequences.
Ngumo further encouraged beneficiaries of the Nyota youth empowerment programme to combine financial support with newly acquired digital skills to improve their livelihoods. MP Daud remarked on the training’s response to the growing demand for digital skills and online work, noting the establishment of an ICT hub in the constituency to support graduates in accessing remote job opportunities.
Lead trainer Adams Makau noted that the Huawei DigiTruck programme had been in Wajir for four weeks, providing training in basic computer literacy, digital marketing, entrepreneurship, online safety, and data protection. He emphasized that the graduates are now digitally empowered to seek employment, apply for online jobs, or market their businesses.
One of the beneficiaries, Muna Hassan, expressed gratitude to the government and partners for bringing the programme to Wajir, highlighting the opportunities it created for young women seeking digital literacy and employment. The Huawei DigiTruck programme is part of ongoing efforts to expand digital inclusion and youth empowerment across the country.
