Zetech University held its graduation today November 25th, 2016 at their main Campus in Ruiru where Permanent Secretary (Broadcasting and Telecommunication), Sammy Itemere represented the Cabinet Secretary ICT as the guest of honor.

Stories of growth inspire and remind us that nothing is impossible. Engaging with the Zetech University management the PS had the privilege of hearing about the history of this university. Having started as a simple ICT centre within the hostels of University of Nairobi, what it has achieved in the last 16 years is admirable.

This year’s graduation theme was ‘Fostering Technopreneurial Skills for sustainable Economic Growth’. The PS commended Zetech University for embracing digital technology in its curriculum because ICT is at the center of development globally and, Kenya is a regional leader in technology as the government is working very hard through various projects to attain a digital literate nation.

The university’s motto ‘Invent your Future’ is an inspirational slogan for learners keen on standing out. PS Itemere urged the graduands not to forget that maxim instilled them because it is motivational. The government cannot employ all graduates but it is helping the youth of this country to create jobs for themselves through projects such as ‘Ajira Digital’ which teach and guide the youth on how to take up online jobs to supplement formal employment.

The Ministry of ICT in partnership with the Ministry of Public Service, Youth and Gender Affairs, the Ministry of Education and partners in the private sector have set up the ‘Ajira Digital Programme’ to bridge the gap between skills demand and lack of jobs. This programme is introducing young people to online work and provides the tools, training and mentorship needed for young people to work and earn an income. The PS encouraged the graduating students to take advantage of this programme as they step out into the job market.

It is important to note that already, millions of jobs are made available online for both low skilled work such as Data entry, verification and mining and high skilled work that entails editing, writing, designing and freelancing. Through this programme, the government is targeting to support 2 million young Kenyans to find and complete work online by December, 2017 in line with the government’s promise of job creation and a response to a globally growing market for online work.

The future is tech and ICT is now being used to enable development including, the realization of our very own Vision 2030. Besides, the ‘Ajira Programme’, the government is currently working towards ensuring that internet connectivity is accessible, affordable and speedy countrywide to open up Kenya as a globally viable development centre to stir development and make Kenya a regional digital haven.

By Carol Sakwa, November 25th, 2016