Over 630, 000 youths have accessed online jobs through Ajira Digital Program (ADP) courtesy of Ministry of Information, Communication and Technology.
According to Government Spokesperson (GS), Col. (Rtd) Cyrus Oguna, over 22, 000 youths have also been trained on how to secure online jobs.
“Ajira Digital platform provides opportunities for the youths to access online jobs from where they can earn a living beyond the Kenyan job market,” Col. (Rtd) Oguna observed.
He said in order to facilitate ADP the government has been rolling out the National Optic Fibre Backbone (NOFBI) as well as establishing Constituency Innovation Hubs (CIHs) in constituencies countrywide in collaboration with local leadership.
“Already 146 CIHs have been established and a lot more are expected to come up which will provide Ajira program working space and training venues,” he said adding that 140 ICT officers deployed in all 47 counties have been trained to support the program.
To reach youth in institutions of higher learning with Ajira program, Col.(Rtd) Oguna noted, 23 Ajira Clubs have been launched in various institutions such University of Nairobi, Kenyatta University and Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology.
Meanwhile, the Government Spokesperson said the government will soon revive Kenya National Shipping Line (KNSL) which went under in 1987 due to global economic dynamics.
He allayed perceptions from some quarters that KNSL is being given preferential treatment ahead of its revival at the expense of other shipping lines in Mombasa.
“As Government, we wish to state that KNSL will only operate two berths from a total of 21. This leaves 19 other berths to be used by other shipping lines,” the GS noted.
Concerning the relationship of KHSL and Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), The GS told the press on Thursday at Kiritiri in Mbeere South that the relationship is purely commercial and in the best interest of the country.
“MSC is willing to offer Kenyans employment opportunities unlike any other shipping lines and has already offered opportunities to 125 Kenyans and another 100 Kenyans seafarers will be offered jobs by MSC by Monday next week. In total MSC projects to create 1000 jobs for Kenyans annually,” he observed.
On Huduma Namba, Col.(Rtd) Oguna said over 37.7 Million Kenyans were registered adding that soon the government will be opening a two week window for the 11 Million Kenyans who did not register to do so through their local assistant chiefs.
He noted payment of those who participated in the exercise of registering the Huduma Namba is ongoing urging them to be patient.
By Kimani Tirus
