At least 300 youths in Wajir County have been enrolled in a Huawei digital skills training programme aimed at equipping young people with knowledge in digital technology and emerging artificial intelligence (AI).
The programme targets youths aged between 18 and 35 years who have completed Form Four or hold certificate or diploma qualifications from any field of training.
Speaking during the induction of beneficiaries in Wajir, Deputy County Commissioner George Onyango said the training is part of a national initiative that has been ongoing across the country since last year, with Wajir being among the last seven counties to benefit.
“The programme is a form of digital training targeting youths who have completed Form Four, certificates, or diploma courses. It is inclusive and accommodates both male and female participants as well as persons living with disabilities,” Onyango said.
He said the county was allocated 300 training slots, all of which have been filled, noting that the high turnout reflected strong interest in digital skills development among local youth.
Onyango explained that the training will be conducted using a mobile, solar-powered digital classroom stationed at the AP Camp in Wajir.
The mobile truck is fully equipped with training facilities and can accommodate 20 trainees at a time.
“The beneficiaries were inducted on Thursday. The mobile unit has all the required facilities, including seats, so there is no need to hire a training venue,” he said.
He added that the six-week programme will run on working days, with trainees scheduled in shifts to avoid overcrowding. Participants will be informed of their specific training days and hours once registered.
“Some started training on Thursday, others on different days, but within a specific time. At the end of the training, participants will be awarded certificates,” Onyango said.
The Deputy County Commissioner noted that the programme was part of Huawei’s global Tech4All programme and is implemented in collaboration with the Ministry of Information, Communications and The Digital Economy, the Ministry of Education, ICT Authority, Computers for Schools Kenya (CFSK), and other stakeholders.
He said the training focuses on digital technology and emerging AI to prepare youth for the country’s shift towards a digital economy.
“This is the direction the country is moving towards. We are grateful to Huawei and the government for this collaboration. The youth have embraced the programme, and the interest has been overwhelming,” he said.
The induction marked the start of the programme, with full training sessions scheduled to commence next week.
By Hamdi Buthul
