Over 60,000 youth have been trained under the Ajira Digital programme across the country since its inception five years ago enabling them to make a living by doing online jobs.
ICT Cabinet Secretary Joe Mucheru said there has been a growing number of people taking online jobs since Covid-19 pandemic struck the country and have been earning well.
In a speech read by the Ministry of ICT and Innovation Secretary, Administration Lucy Mulili, Mucheru said the online jobs have been facilitated by the Ministry’s resolve to connect the country to internet, noting that the country has over 8,000 kilometers of internet fiber.
He said reduced internet charges and other free government internet connections like the NOFBI which is installed at Constituency Innovation Hubs (CIH) and government offices has also facilitated the increased uptake of the programme.
Speaking during the launch of Zetech University Ajira Digital Club, the CS said the programme has changed the lives of several youths, citing Johnston Kepkemboi who is pursuing a diploma at the Technical University of Mombasa who he said is earning Sh.10,000 weekly working on graphic design from Fiverr.com.
Another student is Rioba Joseph John from Multi-media university who is earning an average of Sh.50,000 monthly working as a virtual assistant.
He at the same time said that the Ministry working closely with MPs has opened over 200 CIHs across the country where youths can visit and work online.
Have also hired 100 Ajira trainees as Ajira digital trainers and mentors. Some of the online jobs in Ajira include transcription, digital marketing, virtual assistance, data entry and management and online writing.
The hubs are fully furnished with furniture and internet connection and have trainers who help the youth in accessing the online jobs.
He said they target to have four CIHs in each constituency.
On the Presidential Digital Talent Program (PDTP) the CS said that he will give 400 fresh graduates internship opportunities each year, so as to get the necessary skills to make it in the job environment.
Zetech Vice chancellor Prof.Njenga Munene welcomed the programme saying as an institution that offers ICT course, they will ensure more students are enrolled in the programme.
He also called for more government collaboration to have CIH at the university so as to help the many jobless youths in Ruiru constituency.