Mombasa: A total of 4,500 youth are set to benefit from a major digital skills training initiative aimed at enhancing employability and income-generation opportunities across key urban centres.
According to Kenya News Agency, the State Department for Youth Affairs and Creative Economy, in partnership with Tiko Africa and DSW Kenya, has launched the Ajira Digital Literacy Training under the Vijana Vuka na Afya (VIVA) Project, currently being implemented in Mombasa, Nairobi, and Kisumu. A total of 1,500 youth will be selected in Mombasa, while Nairobi and Kisumu will each accommodate 2,000 and 1,000 participants, respectively.
The overall objective of the programme is to improve youth employability and expand income-generation opportunities through digital literacy training. Upon completion, participants will transition into vocational skills training. Funded by KfW Development Bank, the VIVA Project is a collaborative initiative designed to improve Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) outcomes and the socio-economic well-being of young people aged 15-24 years living in informal settlements. The project also promotes youth empowerment by expanding access to training, entrepreneurship opportunities, and subsidised health services.
Speaking during the launch of the training programme in Mombasa, which was preceded by a football tournament, Secretary of Youth Development George Mbogo said the project seeks to enhance the Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) of young people and equip them to better address related challenges. Mbogo noted that the sporting event was organised in collaboration with various government agencies, including the Social Health Authority, IEBC, National Youth Council, and the Youth Enterprise Fund.
'We are here to ensure that youth understand the importance of staying healthy, engaging in sports, and taking care of their bodies while they are still young, so that they can lead better lives in the future,' said Mbogo. He added that 1,500 youth will be identified across all six sub-counties of Mombasa-Nyali, Mvita, Kisauni, Changamwe, Jomvu, and Likoni-to undergo digital skills training by experts from Ajira Digital, after which they will receive government-sponsored certification.
'We have realised that many young people face challenges due to a lack of relevant market-driven skills. This is the time to embrace digital opportunities so that more youth can either create online jobs for themselves or secure employment. Today, one can work remotely, even for companies based in other countries,' Mbogo stated.
County Chief Officer for Sports, Youth and Gender, Goshi Juma, said the initiative presents a valuable opportunity for young people to register, acquire skills, and earn a living. He lauded the National Government for rolling out what he termed a transformative programme.
Nyali Deputy County Commissioner Timothy Tirop reaffirmed the government's commitment to empowering youth and nurturing their talents to steer them away from social vices such as drug and substance abuse and crime. He urged young people in Mombasa to register in large numbers and take advantage of the training opportunity.
'I want to encourage our youth to shun drug abuse and criminal activities such as those associated with 'panga boys'. They should avoid such behaviour; this is our community, and we must ensure that our youth live responsibly,' said DCC Tirop.