Kisumu – In a significant development for Kenya’s ICT sector, one hundred young individuals from Kisumu have been granted the opportunity to participate in an innovative training program called Zone 01, aimed at developing skills in advanced technologies such as Web App development, data engineering, artificial intelligence, video game development, blockchain, and cybersecurity.
According to Kenya News Agency, the initiative is a collaboration between Zone 01, the United Cities and Local Governments of Africa (ULCGA), the County Government of Kisumu, and Lake Hub, a local IT company. The program is structured as a two-year training followed by a three-year work contract, providing participants with both education and employment opportunities in their fields of specialization. Zone 01 operates on a tuition-free, peer-to-peer learning model without traditional classroom settings.
Governor Nyong’o highlighted the high unemployment rate among the youth, currently at 67%, and expressed optimism that the skills gained from this program would significantly enhance their job prospects. He emphasized the potential of the digital sector to offer 20 million jobs by 2030, particularly in Africa, and noted that the training would prepare participants to meet this demand.
The County Government of Kisumu has established an ICT center equipped with 70 computers at the Rotary Vocational Training Centre to support this initiative and plans to expand the resources to accommodate future cohorts. With over 13,000 applications received for the program, the initiative underscores a high demand for technical education and skill development among the youth in the region.
ICT and E-Government Secretary Mary Kerema also praised the initiative and affirmed the national government’s support to expand such training to all 47 counties in Kenya. She noted that technical education is crucial for economic transformation and revealed plans to increase internet coverage and establish ICT hubs across the country to foster e-commerce and digital workspaces for the youth.
The government’s broader strategy includes the Ajira Digital program, which trains young people to secure online work, and the rollout of Jitume centres designed to provide spaces for digital work, aiming to keep the youth engaged and away from detrimental activities like alcoholism and drug abuse.