Scores of young people drawn from parts of Maragua constituency have embraced online jobs after they got trained on computing skills.
More than 120 young people have benefited from a three-month training on various computer skills which have enabled them to embrace the digitization.
The programme sponsored by a local resident is meant to train and guide young people in doing digital jobs.
The sponsor of the programme Anthony Chege who is also a Maragua resident said the world has gone digital and thus the need for people to be well conversant with computer applications.
Chege who speaking during the graduation of those who underwent the training observed that there are many jobs which are done online thus the need for young people to embrace them instead of being idle.
“Availability of internet has helped many people to earn a living through online jobs and when we started this programme in 2015, so far to date more than 3, 000 young people from Maragua have benefited through training on computers,” he added.
The programme targets youth from poor families with the aim of equipping them with knowledge about computers.
“In one session we admit more than 120 youth where they are trained on computer applications, entrepreneurship skills and also offer counseling and guidance. Cases of drug abuse and alcoholism are on rise and the programme helps the young people avoid indulging in social evils,” he added.
One of the beneficiaries, Peter Karanja, lauded the training saying it enabled him to invest in a cyber café, which local young people visit to do online jobs.
“I started with just three computers but now have more than 10. Youth from this area usually come to work from my cyber café. The training helped me a lot,” he added.
Meanwhile Chege warned young people against being taken advantage of by politicians during the electioneering period.
He observed that politicians usually emerge when time for election nears and some have a habit of giving handouts which cannot support the future of youth.
“Those who are seeking various elective positions should be on the ground all the time. Talking to people, helping where necessary and also providing good policies at community level which will see progress of the common mwananchi. This time when election nears, is when you see many aspirants engaging young people, trying to organise games, and also giving them handouts. This trend should come to an end,” he added.
By Bernard Munyao
