Kerugoya: Youths have been encouraged to embrace digital platforms for self-employment and online jobs, as well as promote digital literacy to prevent cyberbullying and online abuse. During a dinner organized by British digital company Vector Markup Language (VML), which initiated free training programs aimed at equipping young individuals with essential digital skills for self-employment, the officials noted digital platforms as viable avenues for economic empowerment in response to the rising challenges of youth unemployment in Kenya.
According to Kenya News Agency, during the training sessions, participants were taught to utilize various applications for online business, enabling them to advertise and sell products effectively as the government has provided internet access via various hotspots across the county. Cyrus Njeru, a VML representative, emphasized their mission is to eradicate unemployment by mentoring youths across the country to embrace technology as a tool for economic development.
Njeru highlighted the importance of using technology for productive purposes rather than merely social media engagement. He stated, "We want to eliminate joblessness; through that phone instead of spending time and resources scrolling through social media you can use the same on valuable online jobs. Not everything online is a scam don't conclude." He added that technology has helped most people advertise their products online and they get many customers and even sell their products online, noting the program also addresses critical social issues by cautioning youth against the negative influences of social media.
Jane Gichobi, a beneficiary of the program, shared her experience, noting that her involvement in digital marketing over the past six months has made her more financially independent. She also introduced her siblings to online work, enabling them to earn while studying in different institutions. Gichobi encouraged parents to allow their children to enroll in training that will equip them with necessary skills to work online.
The initiative also recognized the Kenyan government's efforts in addressing youth unemployment through initiatives like the Jitume Hubs and Ajira digital, which aim to equip young individuals with digital skills to thrive in the online job market.