1,789 ICT Trainees Graduate With Digital Skills In Kericho
A total of 1,789 Kericho County youth and adult learners graduated after completing a six-week government-sponsored Information Communication and Technology (ICT) course designed to equip them with digital skills that will allow them to take advantage of various opportunities in the digital economy space.
In the last six weeks, the Kenya ICT Training Programme, in collaboration with the Ministry of ICT, Innovation and Youth Affairs, the State Department of Adult Education, and Mt. Kenya University, engaged youth and adult learners for two hours daily.
Dr. Sammy Wambugu, Director of the Kenya ICT Training Programme, stated during a colorful graduation ceremony at Kericho Green Stadium that the 1,789 graduands were drawn from Sub-Counties within Kericho County, including Bureti (613 students), Ainamoi (545), Kipkelion West 212, Kipkelion East 372, and Belgut (47 students).
“Students of different ages went through the ICT courses and we are happy that they have gained skills that are very vital in today’s digital age.
“We still have classes ongoing in Soin/Sigowet Sub County and once they are done with the coursework, they will also graduate,” he said.
Dr. Wambugu was overjoyed that the graduates were exposed to market-driven skills such as introduction to computer application programs, Information Application Systems, Integration of ICT to E-government, and online jobs, which would enable them to start, grow, and manage their own businesses.
“The training was the hands-on and involved acquisition of practical skills before examination and certification and so I can confirm that these graduands are now well equipped and ready to occupy and make an impact in the digital space,” added Dr. Wambugu.
Meanwhile, in a statement read on behalf of the Principal Secretary for Youth Affairs, Mr. Charles Sunkuli, by the Youth Affairs South Rift Regional Coordinator Janet Ayusa, the youth were challenged to embrace IT as the new frontier for development, noting that the world has already transitioned to the digital age.
At the same time, Kericho County Governor Dr. Eric Mutai, who was in attendance, congratulated the graduates and promised to establish ICT hubs in all 30 electoral wards in the county to promote digital economy activities.
Dr. Mutai also stated that the ICT hubs, which are fully equipped with computers and the internet, will serve as incubators for the youth to nurture ICT-related innovations as they explore cyberspace, which he claims is brimming with opportunities such as digital marketing, online writing, transcription, and virtual assistant jobs, among others.
Mutai urged youths learning ICT to use their skills constructively and to avoid destructive practices such as pornography that are harmful to their well-being.
Ms. Rose Sagara, Kericho County Director of Education, also attended the function and expressed gratitude to all stakeholders who helped make this program a success, noting that the 60-hour foundational course in ICT has equipped the youth with the necessary skills to thrive in ICT environments and tap into the opportunities available.
1,789 ICT Trainees Graduate With Digital Skills In Kericho