By Eddah Waithaka
A strategic partnership between tech giants and community organizations has equipped 500 women and youth in Murang’a County with critical digital skills, directly tackling the digital divide and preparing them for a competitive job market.
The five-day Digital Skills Training Program, now in its third edition in the county, brought together Huawei Kenya, Computers for Schools Kenya (CFSK), the Joyful Women Organization, and MaMa Doing Good.
The initiative delivered practical, market-relevant training designed to unlock new opportunities in business, employment, and innovation.
“We are thrilled to partner with MaMa Doing Good to empower women with the digital skills they need to thrive in today’s connected world,” said Maureen Mwaniki, Director of Public Affairs at Huawei Kenya.
“Our goal is to ensure digital empowerment reaches women across the country.”At the program’s closing ceremony, organizers stressed that digital literacy now serves as a fundamental requirement for economic independence.
“Digital skills are the new currency of opportunity,” stated Joycelyn Mwikali, Director of Corporate Services at MaMa Doing Good.
“This training is opening doors for 500 women and youth in Murang’a County. We are empowering participants to harness technology for entrepreneurship, innovation, and sustainable livelihoods.”
The program addresses a critical need highlighted by recent data. A 2023 World Bank Digital Inclusion Report shows only 38% of rural youth in Kenya possess basic ICT skills, compared to 67% in urban areas.
This gap severely limits access to economic opportunities.Furthermore, the World Bank’s Future of Work report projects that over 60% of jobs in Kenya by 2030 will require advanced digital and cognitive skills, underscoring the urgency of such training initiatives.
This collaboration underscores a shared commitment to not only include women and youth in Kenya’s digital economy but to position them as active leaders and participants.
For the 500 new graduates in Murang’a, the program marks a decisive step toward a more connected and prosperous future.
