Access of internet among the youths will help in fighting teenage pregnancy, Public Service, Youth and Gender Affairs Cabinet Secretary (CS), Prof. Margaret Kobia has said.
While opening the Information Communication and Technology Hub for the youths in Awendo town, Migori County on Friday, Kobia said internet has become a powerful platform for information which could be exploited by the youths to learn the dangers of early and safe sex practices.
She said knowledge on sexual reproductive health should be emphasized at the ICT so that teenagers would learn how other countries handle safe sex practices.
The CS said availability of central free or affordable internet services would help in shaping lifestyle and opinion among teenagers which in the long run would reduce early pregnancies in rural and urban Kenya.
Prof. Kobia noted that informed youths would make correct decisions hence improved lifestyles.
She urged the residents of Awendo town to use the government ICT facility to improve their living standards by sourcing online modern ways of doing things for instance business opportunities and family life lessons.
The CS added that it was a government programme to fast track provision of internet services at constituency levels to enhance online jobs through the Ajira initiative.
The Migori County Women Representative, Pamela Odhiambo reiterated that she settled on ICT centre so that youths could have an opportunity to access online jobs.
The Women Rep said students carrying academic and personal research would have a place to do their work which is accessible to many.
The Awendo ICT Centre is a National Government Affirmative Action Funds (NGAAF) project, fully equipped to accommodate more than 80 youths.
The Awendo ICT Centre cost NGAAF Sh.20 million according to the Women Rep.
By Geoffrey Satia
