Youths should to utilize the government’s roll out of free WiFi hotspots in public places to access online jobs. Information, Communication Technology and Digital Economy Cabinet Secretary (CS) Eliud Owalo said the blue color jobs were getting scarce the way to go for the youth was to access jobs in the digital market. He said internet connectivity in both urban areas and villages is one of the Kenya Kwanza administration’s agenda to increase job opportunities for the youth. Owalo said his ministry has created a blueprint which will ensure all parts of the country is connected to the Internet. ‘Internet connectivity is top in the Kenya Kwanza agenda to provide jobs for youths and women. The government is connecting free WI-FI in markets and educational institutions, ‘ Owalo said. Speaking during the official opening of the digital laboratory at Mawego Technical institute in Karachuonyo constituency on Friday, the CS called on the youth to embrace the program. Youths are required to participate in the program by registering for training in the institutions to enable them access technical skills. Already the government has connected different places to the internet through different platforms in Nyanza and other parts of the country. Owalo said some of the areas in the region which have been connected to free WiFi include Bondo and Ahero towns. ‘The same will be expanded to Katito, Kendu Bay, Homa Bay and other towns,’ he said. He noted that the government was setting up digital laboratories dubbed Jitume computer laboratories in selected institutions. ‘Let students who registered for the program take the program seriously because it is meant to create jobs for them. Beneficiaries are expected to develop digital skills that will market them globally, ‘the CS said. He said online jobs were lucrative and also very flexible. Jitume Digital laboratories is supported by Konza techno cities through the Ministry of ICT. ICT Principal Secretary Joseph Tanui said most work globally has moved online. Amongst those present was acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for Konza Techno City John Okwiri and Homa Bay UDA party coordinator John Odek. Tanui said there were emerging issues like climate change, online marketing and other digital transactions handled using digital knowledge and skills.’Kenya can become top job destinations where other countries can source people with digital skills,’ he added. Okwiri asked the students to take advantage of the program and acquire technical skills. ‘Youths will come to appreciate the program once they start earning money through online jobs,’ Okwiri said.
Source: Kenya News Agency