Lubao FM News 
By Wycliffe Andabwa
The Kenyan government has launched two digital hubs at the Kakamega County Polytechnic and Shianda Polytechnic to enhance access to digital technology and promote entrepreneurship among the youth. The hubs are part of the government’s initiative to establish 1450 digital hubs across the country, which will provide free internet and Wi-Fi connectivity to students, researchers, and small business operators. The Prime Cabinet Secretary, Musalia Mudavadi, emphasized that the digital hubs will enable youth to acquire digital skills, connect to global online learning and e-commerce resources, and access healthcare information.
Mudavadi noted that the government has made significant progress in leveraging digital technologies, with over 22,000 services on-boarded on the e-citizen platform. He also highlighted the importance of reliable power supply to maximize the impact of the hubs on local communities. The CS for Information Communications and the Digital Economy, Dr. Margaret Ndung’u, emphasized that the advancement in technology will empower all Kenyans to leverage digital technology for creativity, productivity, and inclusion.
According to Dr. Ndung’u, the internet offers opportunities to enhance existing livelihoods such as marketing and selling products or services online through social media, websites, or e-commerce platforms. She also disclosed that a baseline assessment conducted by a team from Strathmore University and the Communication Authority on the digital hub in Kakamega revealed significant positive outcomes on the impact to users. The assessment showed that ICT access for learners in both Shianda and Kakamega County Polytechnics has risen from 20 per cent to over 80 per cent.
The CS also noted that the digital hubs provide access to essential services and devices that equip individuals with valuable digital skills and offer high-speed internet. She emphasized that the government is working on lowering the cost of devices to ensure that no one is left behind on the country’s journey towards a digitally empowered society. The Principal Secretary State Department for ICT and Digital Economy, Eng. John Tanui, was also present during the launch.
The government has also established and operationalised digital hubs at other institutions in Kakamega County, including Shamberere National Polytechnic, Mumias West Technical Training Institute, Sigalagala National Polytechnic, Khwisero TVC, Chevaywa TVC, and Butere Technical Training Institute. The launch of these digital hubs is part of the government’s effort to promote digital literacy and entrepreneurship among the youth.
The event was attended by other leaders from partner organizations, including host Governor Fernandes Barasa and Principal Secretary State Department for Broadcasting and Telecommunication, Prof. Edward Kisiang’ani. The government’s initiative is expected to create quality jobs and livelihood opportunities for employment
