The County Government of Kakamega is developing some three Wi-Fi sub stations.
Speaking in Kakamega, Mr Cyrus Ondari from Department of Finance, Economic Planning and Information and Communications Technology (ICT) said that the stations will be developed in the Northern Region of the county (Lumakanda), the Southern Region, (Mumias West Constituency) and in Lurambi Sub County (Central Region).
“The essence of this is to ensure that the youth and Kakamega residents have access to a high speed internet to enable the county to become a smart age county. We aim to expand this program to all the 12 sub counties and any sponsors or donors are welcome to support,’’ he added.
This comes at a time when Kakamega County has been selected for a trial phase of 5G network by Safaricom. 5G is the fastest network.
Ondari noted that other initiatives by the County Government to support the youth include establishment of ICT centers. “This is through a partnership with the Ministry of ICT, Innovation and Youth Affairs which has provided technical support to establish nine ICT centers in Ikolomani, Lurambi, Navakholo and Matungu,” he stressed.
He said that the Wi- Fi installation and ICT centres whose services will be offered free of charge will empower the youth. “The ICT centers will make it easier to support the youth doing online jobs like online writing through the Ajira program. This will enable them to offer services online and earn,” Ondari added.
He said the County Government has also completed the region’s production studio and is in the process of equipping it. The studio, he noted, will support the digital content production by the youth and other independent institutions.
Ondari also said that the County Government was also committed to digitalize job applications and through the ICT department in collaboration with the county public service board has established a Human Resource (HR) portal.
“The portal will enable youths to apply for jobs without necessarily sending in hard copy documents. This will increase efficiency, reduce cost and ensure no one is locked out of the job application process,’’ he said.
By Cynthia Kerubo
