Information, Communication and the Digital Economy Cabinet Secretary (CS) Eluid Owalo has said the government seeks to establish digital hubs in 1450 wards across the country.
Speaking while launching a Free public WIFI hotspot hub in Marikiti Wote Market on Thursday evening, Owalo said the digital hubs will enable youths and women to learn and access technological skills in order to secure digital jobs.
“As the Kenya Kwanza government in partnership with County Governments and Parliament we will establish digital hubs in every ward to train youths on digital and technological skills and facilitate them to secure digital jobs,” said Owalo while addressing media on Thursday in Wote, Makueni County.
He said the Free WIFI hot spot hubs initiative will also be extended to markets and bus terminus parks across the county to enable youths and businessmen to access digital space in their locality.
Owalo noted that Kenyans will soon access affordable cheap digital smartphones at a cost of Sh5, 000 that will be unveiled by the government before the end of the year.
“In the next two months the government will officially launch affordable digital smart phones to enable residents to access government services,” noted Owalo.
Speaking during the Launch, Foreign and Diaspora Affairs CS Dr. Alfred Mutua lauded the initiative saying that Kenyans can utilize the free Wifi hotspots to go online and look for job opportunities all over the world.
“Kenyans now at their homes or markets can access online classes, degrees and diplomas skills to enable them secure job opportunities all over the world and earn a decent living,” said Mutua.
Also present during the launch were Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo, Makueni County Commissioner William Kaimba and a section of Members of Makueni County assembly.
By Ronald Rono and Patrick Nyakundi
