The Ministry of Labour and Social Protection has initiated a Government program called ‘Finya Computer, Itoe Dollar,’ inviting Kenyans aged 18-35 to enroll for free training sessions.
This initiative, loosely translated to ‘press a computer key and earn dollars’, follows President William Ruto’s remarks on boosting digital employment opportunities in Kenya, which received mixed reactions from the public.
The president made the remarks while addressing a crowd in Bungoma early this month.
“Huyu akijenga hio ICT hub, mimi nitahakikisha iko computer. Na nitahakikisha iko Internet. Na nimepanga ajira ya hawa vijana kufanya iyo kazi. Nyinyi vijana wa hapa kazi yenyu ni mbili… Ku appear huko kufundishwa, na kufinya computer uweke dollar mfukoni,” Ruto said.
“Wewe utashindwa kufinya computer ndio upate pesa? Na wewe sasa ukishindwa kufinya computer nitakusaidia namna gani?” he further posed.
The initiative which was announced through posters shared across various platforms, aims to provide courses on data entry, digital marketing, virtual assistance, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) for graphic design.
Scheduled to commence from March 4 to March 8, 2024, the four-day training will run from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. Applicants must be Kenyan citizens proficient in computer skills and fall within the age bracket of 18 to 35.
“The objective of the program is to equip young people with the necessary knowledge, skills, and attitudes for digital/online work, enabling them to access decent employment and earn income from the Gig & Freelancing Economy,” stated the ministry.
