Over 300,000 youths have benefitted from the Ajira Digital and Jitume skills organized through the Ministry of ICT and the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection.
Speaking in a press briefing on Thursday, government spokesperson Isaac Mwaura said the numbers have increased from the previous year.
"The government has trained 390,968 youth on digital skills through the Jitume and Ajira programs in 2023/2024 which is an increase from 120,000 from 2022," Mwaura said.
He added that 119,462 youths have been connected to online jobs through the same programs and the government plans to increase the number to 180,000 in the next financial.
One of the digital programs that the government launched recently was the Finya Computer Free Online Training Programme which targeted youth from 18-35 years.
The program dubbed "Finya Computer Itoe Dollar" was a means to train the youth to get online jobs.
The program through Ajira Digital was announced on February 20, to job-seeking youths across the country to equip them with digital skills.
It encompassed a range of modules tailored to accommodate diverse skill levels and interests.
Basic Modules, including Data Entry, Digital Marketing, and Virtual Assistance, will be featured in the program, providing participants with foundational skills crucial for engaging in online work.
In addition, an Advanced Module focusing on Graphic Design was offered for those looking to further refine their expertise in this specific field.
The Jitume Lab program also an ongoing program, has launched several digital labs in the country.
A total of 117 centres have already been set up in various wards as the government promised to continue launching more.
As a means to continue increasing digital job opportunities, Mwaura noted that the government has increased nationwide internet coverage.
"The government has laid 13,712 km of fibre cable and increased the number of public WiFi hotspots from 40 in 2022 to 1,222 in 2023," Mwaura said.
"The hotspots gained an increase of 970 within a year with a target of having atleast one in each ward."
He added that as the government continues with the digital transformation agenda, there has also been an increase in digitised government services.
"The government has digitized 1,2692 e-citizen services," Mwaura said.
