Nakuru: Over 100 youths in Nakuru County are undergoing training on Artificial Intelligence (AI)-enhanced Digital Marketing to enhance their employability and create income-generating opportunities. The training program is being conducted by Generation Kenya in partnership with the County Government of Nakuru.
According to Kenya News Agency, County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Education, ICT, e-Government and Public Communication Ms. Zipporah Wambui stated that the training has been designed to equip the youth with various computer literacy, digital marketing, online entrepreneurship, and financial literacy skills. Speaking at the Shabab Digital Hub, where the initiative is being conducted, Ms. Wambui highlighted that a comprehensive work plan and roadmap had been developed to guide the successful implementation of the initiative, ensuring impactful outcomes and long-term sustainability.
Wambui noted that the initiative aims to equip the youthful generation with practical digital skills that can enable them to tap into opportunities within the growing digital economy. This reflects a shared commitment by Governor Susan Kihika's administration and its partners to empowering young people through technology and innovation. Through the training, participants are gaining knowledge in digital marketing and other online skills that can help them secure remote work opportunities and become competitive in the modern job market.
The program underscores the importance of capacity building from the lowest level. Wambui advised the youth to take full advantage of such opportunities, noting the global shift towards technology-driven solutions and online employment. She further urged young people to consider enrolling in Vocational Training Centres across the county, emphasizing that the county government has made training more accessible through bursaries and other support programs.
Highlighting the county government's prioritization, Wambui mentioned Governor Kihika's focus on youth empowerment through education, digital skills development, and infrastructure. She pointed out that upcoming markets across the county will incorporate ICT hubs, creating more spaces for young people to access digital resources and grow their skills. The students are also being trained on basic computer skills, online safety, and online behavior.
ICT County Director Leonard Kirui emphasized that the empowerment program aims to transform youths into productive and digitally skilled individuals. By providing hands-on learning experiences, the initiative bridges the digital divide across the 11 Sub-Counties and empowers youth with the tools to thrive in an increasingly digital world. Kirui added that the program demonstrates a commitment to sustainable development, alleviating poverty, and enhancing growth.
Despite the youthful population being a vital asset for the county's economic growth, unemployment remains a pressing issue. Kirui highlighted the importance of equipping young people with practical skills that create economic opportunities and foster personal growth. He noted the vulnerabilities faced by young people, such as addiction and identity crises, and stressed the importance of empowering them with the right skills and opportunities to secure their future.
Kirui expressed confidence in the profound impact of the training, anticipating that participants will gain skills needed to create sustainable growth strategies for their businesses, develop targeted advertising campaigns, and build strong communities around their brands. He underscored the importance of digital skills in empowering women and youth, positioning them to thrive in a rapidly evolving global economy.
The county government is committed to fostering partnerships that offer meaningful opportunities for youth and women, unlocking their full potential and contributing to the county's economic growth. Kirui expressed enthusiasm in collaborating with Generation Kenya to nurture a vibrant ecosystem of innovation and enterprise, aiming to equip youth and women with the skills and opportunities needed to succeed, thereby fueling economic growth and community development across the county.