Kajiado: The government is committed to expanding job opportunities for the youth by providing training in digital skills through the Jitume and Ajira digital programs.
According to Kenya News Agency, Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura announced that the number of beneficiaries from these programs has surged from 41,382 in 2022 to 182,568 in 2025. This growth has contributed to lowering unemployment and significantly enhancing Kenya's digital workforce.
Addressing attendees at the Maasai National Polytechnic in Kajiado County during a visit to the Jitume Digital lab, Mwaura encouraged the youth to engage with these programs. He emphasized that acquiring digital skills would enable them to access online job opportunities and pursue self-employment. He noted that over 600 youth have already received digital training at the institution, with many successfully securing online jobs and becoming self-reliant.
Mwaura urged the youth to utilize the Jitume program to acquire the necessary digital skills for self-employment and online job opportunities. He highlighted that over 280 digital hubs have been established nationwide to support online learning, ecommerce, and remote work, urging young people to capitalize on these resources to improve their lives.
He further explained that the digital labs set up at TVET institutions across the country are equipped with the necessary tools, reliable power, and broadband connectivity to ensure easy access. The expansion of fiber optic connectivity is set to promote digital inclusivity nationwide, facilitating online access to government services.
Mwaura also pointed out that digitized government services have increased dramatically, from 350 in 2022 to 20,985 in 2025, integrated with e-citizen and mobile platforms, significantly boosting revenue collection to between Sh700 million and Sh1 billion per day.
The Jitume program is a component of the Kenya National Digital Master Plan (2022-2032), which aims to develop ICT skills for over one million youth entering the job market annually. The program seeks to provide access to digital skills, e-services, and online opportunities for youth across the country. It aims to complement existing initiatives such as the Ajira Digital and Kenya Youth Employment Program by addressing challenges related to connectivity, device access, skills, and job opportunities. The program encourages youth to proactively access digital devices, learn, and gain certification in digital skills essential for the Fourth Industrial Revolution.