As a way of providing new avenues for employment and empowering young individuals with essential skills, a group of 30 youths from Marakwet West have successfully completed a comprehensive digital skills training programme. This initiative aims to equip them with the proficiency needed to access remote work opportunities in content writing and digital marketing.
The training programme, organized by Ajira in collaboration with the Elgeyo Marakwet County Government’s ICT Department saw enthusiastic participation from local youths seeking to enhance their employability in an increasingly digital world.
By focusing on content creation and digital marketing, the program aimed to foster skills that are in high demand across various industries.
Ajira Digital, known for its commitment to fostering computer and digital literacy among youths, has been actively inspiring and training young individuals from the sub-county. This recent training initiative at the Kapsowar ICT Centre aimed to address the challenge of youth unemployment during an extended holiday period by providing them with relevant skills that can lead to sustainable income-generating opportunities.
Willy Cheruiyot, the Programme Manager for the Sub-County, spoke to Kenya News Agency (KNA) about the programme’s goals and impact. Cheruiyot emphasized that the programme is designed to be inclusive and free, with partnerships established with local churches and schools to broaden its reach and impact.
“We take three days for training and five days for mentorship, during which we connect participants with opportunities based on their level of initiative and commitment,” he explained.
This training marks the program’s first foray into Kapsowar Ward, and Cheruiyot expressed his optimism about positively influencing the lives of numerous youths in the region.
He encouraged those not yet registered for the training to seize the opportunity and elevate their skill sets, ultimately enhancing their prospects in the competitive job market.
One of the trainees, Viterlise Kanda, shared his excitement about the potential impact of the training. Kanda highlighted how the program has opened up new possibilities for him to earn money online through enhanced social media usage.
“After acquiring Ajira training, I’ve learned how to use social media more productively, transforming my online presence into a source of income,” Kanda remarked.
His sentiment reflects the overarching goal of the program – to empower youths with skills that enable them to adapt to the digital landscape and create income-generating opportunities for themselves.
As the digital landscape continues to evolve, initiatives like Ajira Digital’s training program have become crucial in bridging the skills gap and reducing unemployment rates among youths.
By equipping them with practical digital skills and fostering a mindset of proactive online engagement, young individuals are better prepared to navigate the challenges of the modern job market.
By Rennish Okong’o
