By Eddah Waithaka
A young mother cradled her newborn while receiving her graduation certificate. A student with disabilities affecting his hands and legs defied every physical limitation to complete his training.
These powerful stories of resilience and hope marked the graduation of more than 140 youths from the Huawei DigiTruck Programme in Lamu County on Tuesday, showcasing how digital inclusion transforms underserved communities.
Rose Waithera, a young mother, enrolled in the five-week programme while expectant. She delivered her baby during the training period. Then she returned to complete the sessions.
At the graduation ceremony held at the Mokowe Kenya Maritime Authority Command Centre, Rose proudly received her certificate, her newborn resting in her arms.“Joining the Huawei DigiTruck programme gave me hope and confidence for my future,” Rose said.
“During the training period, I delivered my baby but returned to continue learning because I did not want to miss this opportunity. Graduating today while carrying my child is a proud moment for me and my family.”
Rose commuted daily from her home in Manga to Mokowe, boarding two boats each way. She called the sacrifice worthwhile, saying it has now opened new possibilities for her future.
‘Disability Is Not Inability’
Simon Murimi, a student living with disabilities affecting both his hands and legs, attended every training session and successfully completed the programme.
His achievement inspired fellow participants and highlighted the urgent need for inclusive access to digital education.“This programme has shown me that disability is not inability,” Simon said. “Despite the challenges I face, I attended every session because I believe these digital skills will shape my future. I am grateful to Huawei Kenya and the Lamu County Government for giving us equal opportunities to learn and grow.”
Bridging the Digital Divide in Lamu
The DigiTruck Programme in Lamu—implemented through a partnership between Huawei Kenya, the Lamu County Government, and Computers for Schools Kenya—equips young people in areas such as Mokowe and Mpeketoni with practical ICT and digital literacy skills.
These competencies enhance employability, entrepreneurship, and innovation.The graduation ceremony was graced by H.E. Dr. Mbarak Bahjaj, Deputy Governor of Lamu County, alongside Hon. Aisha Shariff Omar, County Executive Committee Member for Climate Change, ICT, E-Government and Citizen Participation, as well as county officials, Huawei Kenya representatives, and other ICT stakeholders.
“Programs like the DigiTruck are critical in bridging the digital skills gap among young people,” Dr. Bahjaj said. “By equipping Lamu’s youth with practical digital knowledge and modern ICT competencies, this initiative is not only preparing them for today’s technology driven world, but also opening up pathways to innovation, entrepreneurship, and meaningful participation in the digital economy. This is a significant step toward empowering local communities through access to opportunity and inclusive growth.”
Nearly 11,000 Youths Trained Nationwide
The Huawei DigiTruck—a solar-powered mobile digital classroom—continues to transform lives across Kenya by extending access to digital learning and emerging technologies to remote communities.
Lamu now stands as the 43rd county reached by the programme. Since its launch in 2019, the initiative has trained nearly 11,000 youths nationwide, with recent deployments in Wajir and Garissa in February and March 2026.
Khadija Mohammed, Public Affairs and Media Director at Huawei, commended the graduates for their resilience and encouraged them to apply their newly acquired skills in real world contexts.
“Digital literacy and skilling are critical enablers for youth to actively participate in the digital and knowledge economy,” she said. “Through opportunities such as online jobs, e-commerce, and digital entrepreneurship, young people can unlock new pathways to income generation and self-reliance.”
She further emphasized Huawei’s commitment to advancing Kenya’s digital transformation agenda.“At Huawei, we believe that technology and digital literacy form the foundation of a thriving digital economy,” she said.
“By investing in programmes like DigiTruck and partnering with like-minded organisations, we aim to expand access to opportunity and support youth from historically underserved communities like Lamu to actively participate in Kenya’s digital future.”
The inspiring journeys of Rose Waithera and Simon Murimi serve as a powerful reminder: digital transformation is not just about technology. It is about changing lives, creating opportunities, and ensuring no one gets left behind.
