Huawei Technologies, in strategic partnership with the National Youth Council and local leaders, recently celebrated the graduation of 290 eager trainees from its flagship DigiTruck digital skills training program at Oriwo Boys High School in Homa Bay. This milestone marks a pivotal moment for hundreds of young Kenyans, empowering them with the crucial competencies needed to navigate, compete, and innovate in the digital age. Since its inception in 2019, the DigiTruck program has already empowered over 6,030 youth across 36 counties, cementing its role as a pivotal force in Kenya's digital transformation journey.
The Huawei DigiTruck stands as a testament to collaborative innovation, serving as a mobile digital classroom specifically designed to deliver free, vital digital skills to youth, women, and small business owners in Kenya's remote and underserved areas. This impactful initiative is a synergistic effort, bolstered by key collaborators including the Ministry of ICT, the Kenya National Innovation Agency, Safaricom, and Computers for Schools Kenya. Over a rigorous six-week period, the program meticulously equipped 143 women and 147 men with essential proficiencies in computer literacy, digital marketing, entrepreneurship fundamentals, and crucial online safety protocols. These practical skills are not just theoretical; they are direct conduits to accessing online job opportunities, scaling local businesses, and navigating the vast digital landscape with confidence and security.
Speaking at the graduation, Interior Principal Secretary Dr. Raymond Omollo underscored the paramount importance of digital literacy in today's economy. "Digital skills are no longer optional, they are mandatory," stated Dr. Omollo, emphasizing that whether one aims to launch an online venture, engage in remote work, or simply leverage technology, digital literacy is the definitive key to unlocking myriad opportunities.
The DigiTruck program is more than just a training scheme; it's a vital engine driving digital entrepreneurship and workforce development at the grassroots level. Adam Lane, Government Affairs and Policy Director at Huawei, expressed immense pride in the program's reach, particularly its success in empowering youth outside formal education settings. He highlighted the achievement of maintaining an equal gender split, affirming that "digital literacy is crucial for everyone in today’s economy." The program's commitment to fostering innovation was also evident through an innovation competition, where trainees impressively developed tangible solutions addressing pressing community challenges, ranging from healthcare service delivery improvements to digital support for quarry workers and online safety awareness campaigns. Damada Akinyi, a grateful participant, shared her transformative experience, noting how gained skills like graphic design and presentation preparation have already opened new doors, enabling her to secure design jobs and earn income while preparing for university.
Dr. Omollo further reaffirmed the government's unwavering commitment to expanding such pivotal digital skills programs, calling for broader support from businesses and local stakeholders. "Investing in digital education invests in people," he articulated, adding that "Stronger communities mean a stronger, more prosperous Kenya." As the 290 graduates from Homa Bay embark on their digital futures, they are expected to become catalysts, driving digital adoption, boosting local entrepreneurship, and significantly increasing ICT course enrollment within their communities. This graduation, while an end to one phase, signals a powerful beginning, echoing Dr. Omollo's encouragement: "You now have the tools to compete, innovate, and thrive in a digital world."
