November 22^nd 2019           

  By Cheruiyot Korir/Sijiambo Bramwel

 The Ministry of ICT has established 300 Constituency Innovation Hubs (CIH) across the country to facilitate uptake of online jobs by the youth across the Country, Principal Secretary for ICT Jerome Ochieng, has said.

Mr Ochieng said, CIH, which are technology centers with free wi-fi connections are national support network that will enable the youth to access training, digital devices, mentorship and job opportunities through the Ajira Digital portal.

Speaking in Thika town in Kiambu County today during the award of prizes to winners of Kiambu talent search competition, Mr. Ochieng, said, young people will register their skills and connect with local and international employers through the Ajira portal.

The Principal Secretary said the hubs will stimulate innovation in line with the Kenya ICT Master plan and will encourage youths to come up with innovations using technology.

“We are committed to empowering our young people to reap the most benefits form the ever expanding digital space and the creative industry which are among the biggest contributors of income of income to the global economy today, said Mr Ochieng.

He explained that, through the Ministry of ICT, the government has continued to explore strategies to address the structural causes of youth unemployment in the country.

He said, the government  has partnered with the Mastercard Foundation to create 1 million jobs through the  Ajira program that will enable young people earn decent income.

“we are leveraging on ICT as an enabler to the new frontier for the global digital job opportunities, said Mr Jerome.

 The Principal Secretary said the Ministry target set up four hubs in each of the 290 constituencies through support of respective Members of Parliament.