Prime Cabinet CS Musalia Mudavadi’s Spouse, Tessie Mudavadi has called on the youth to take advantage of the digital space to create jobs.
Mrs Mudavadi also encouraged Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to collaborate with digital hubs across the country to adopt technologies that can boost their growth.
She said such linkages will support innovations by the youth and spur business growth for MSMEs.
Speaking in Nakuru when she launched an entrepreneurship empowerment program through her Ushirika Wema Initiative Mrs Mudavadi noted that collaborations with digital hubs can potentially transform critical value chains in Kenya driving productivity, efficiency and competitiveness by creating market linkages and supply efficiencies that can help unlock the full potential of MSME sector.
While acknowledging that the government is improving Internet connectivity across the country as a way of creating an environment conducive to e-commerce, Mrs Mudavadi said the youth should take advantage of the infrastructure to create livelihoods and improve their lives.
“We are aware that the government has been equipping young people with digital skills to enable them to tap into the unlimited opportunities available in the digital world. It has been working with various partners to provide connectivity such as laying of fibre, data centres, providing the infrastructure required even by mobile network operators and training young people in online work,” she added
The Ushirika Wema Initiative focuses on economically empowering youth and women and on improving the lives of children and vulnerable families including the elderly.
Other activities the initiative addresses include enhancing health with an emphasis on maternal and child care, climate change, youth empowerment, and advancing causes that bring dignity to persons living with disabilities.
It has also stepped forward to scale down the huge gap that lies within the differently abled people in society and contributing to enhancing the standard of living of Kenyans and providing the less fortunate in our communities an opportunity to live a dignified life.
She urged University students and graduates to be innovative with technology to earn a living by exploiting the digital space.
Mrs Mudavadi explained that the world is moving towards a digital economy and that there are numerous opportunities that students can exploit to make decent earnings.
She stated that students should move with the changing dynamics of the digital revolution so as to stay competitive in the job market.
Mrs Mudavadi indicated that the government has been instrumental in supporting the revolution through installing fast internet coverage, digital hubs, and digitizing operations among many other services to help the population earn online.
“Therefore, students must be tech-savvy, innovative, and entrepreneurial to remain competitive. They should exploit those government initiatives and earn money so as to beat unemployment,” she added.
She noted that about 70 percent of jobs in the near future will be technology-based, thus the need for students to become tech-savvy.
“The world today has completely morphed its working and operations with the digital space providing unlimited avenue for the youth to acquire employment and earn a living from,” indicated Mrs Mudavadi.
She added “The Internet offers a plethora of opportunities for individuals to showcase their skills and talents. From freelancing to creating online content, there are numerous ways to turn your passion into a source of income”,
Mrs Mudavadi observed that with the gradual transitioning of the country by the digital superhighway, the youth have an immense opportunity to grow their personal skills, showcase their talents, and through it earn an honest living.
“I beseech you today to make use of the established Wi-Fi hotspots in the country where you can grow your knowledge through online courses, monetize your content on the social media platforms and even create employment opportunities for others”, she pointed out
She stated that digital tools and platforms are not just for entertainment as they can be powerful tools for personal and professional development.
She emphasized the importance of responsible digital citizenship and ethical use of technology.
“It is crucial to understand the ethical implications of our digital actions. Whether it’s online communication, content creation or social media usage, being responsible digital citizens is essential for maintaining a positive digital footprint,” she advised.
She further asked the youths to steer away from social evils such as alcoholism and drug abuse that continue to claim lives and ruin the future of many youths in the country.
By Anne Mwale
