A total of 993 youth in Busia County, including 52 persons living with disabilities (PWDs), have graduated with digital skills under the UK Government Digital Access Programme for Inclusive Digital Futures (UKDAP), implemented in partnership with the County Government of Busia and other stakeholders.
The programme focused on four key sectors aligned with the county’s economic priorities: digital agriculture (431 trainees), gig economy (273), IT devices (181), and creative arts (108).
Speaking during the graduation ceremony at Lwanya Girls National School in Matayos Sub-county, Busia Governor Dr Paul Otuoma termed the initiative a milestone in addressing youth unemployment and driving economic growth.
“As a county, we see digital transformation not as a luxury, but as an imperative for inclusive development, global competitiveness, and sustainable progress. Strategic investment in digital skills offers strong pathways for job creation and enterprise development,” he said.
The governor noted that the programme aligns with the National Digital Master Plan 2022–2032 and the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda but emphasised the need to link training with real opportunities.
“The solution lies not only in training but in creating systems that connect skills to opportunity. Training alone is not enough; the real work begins now,” he added.
He urged the graduates to apply their skills, innovate, and actively contribute to the growth of the digital economy.
“To our graduates, you represent the future of Busia. Digital skills are now foundational. Use what you have learned to transform your lives and our county,” he said.
African Centre for Women in Information and Communications Technology (ACWICT) CEO Constantine Obuya highlighted the importance of collaboration in the programme’s success, noting that it positions Busia as an emerging hub for digital innovation and investment.
“As we move forward, the focus is on ensuring these efforts translate into sustainable opportunities for young people. This is key in the growing competition among counties to harness technology for economic transformation,” she said.
By Salome Alwanda and Rodgers Omondi
