Mombasa County’s State Department for Youth Affairs, through its regional coordinator Samuel Ayacko, has urged Likoni youths to leverage the digital revolution for employment, income generation, and improved livelihoods. Speaking at the induction of the second cohort of the Free Computer Training Programme in Shikaadabu, Ayacko emphasized the growing importance of digital literacy in accessing the online economy. The initiative, designed to equip participants with foundational computer skills, prepares them for the Ajira Digital online work training programme and other digital employment opportunities.
Ayacko highlighted the government’s target to train over 4,000 youths across various courses to foster self-employment and job creation. However, he cautioned against the common issue of incomplete participation, stating, “The Government of Kenya has good plans for the youths, but the problem with our youths is that they don’t finish what they start.” The programme, now in its second cohort, has enrolled over 70 youths seeking to develop digital competencies for online work and emerging tech-driven roles.
Abdalla Muishe, an officer with the Ajira Digital Programme in the Coast region, underscored Kenya’s youth potential, noting that many use the internet primarily for entertainment but could tap into global opportunities. “The internet allows you to work for any company worldwide, replicating physical office tasks virtually,” he said. The programme offers modules in digital marketing, content creation, and transcription, aiming to equip participants aged 18–35 with skills aligned with international standards through practical training.
Titus Ceasar, registrar of Likoni Technical and Vocational Training College, encouraged trainees to enroll in the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) programme, which assesses skills gained through informal or on-the-job training. He noted that 500 slots, supported by Likoni Member of Parliament Mishi Mboko, are reserved for youths to obtain nationally recognized certificates without formal qualifications. “The RPL programme is 90% practical and 10% theory, making it accessible to experienced workers,” Ceasar explained.
Trainees like Rehema Mohamed and Joseph Ngatia expressed optimism about the programme’s impact. Mohamed called for more government-led initiatives to empower youths, while Ngatia advocated for expanding training to include non-tech fields like masonry and plumbing. “If computer training has started, let the government also bring courses in beauty, masonry, and others,” Ngatia said, stressing the need for diverse opportunities.
The Free Computer Training Programme, part of broader efforts to address youth unemployment, aligns with national strategies to reduce the digital divide. Ayacko reiterated the importance of sustained engagement, stating, “Acquiring the right skills can help youths improve their livelihoods.” The initiative reflects a collaborative approach between government agencies, local leaders, and international partners to create sustainable economic pathways for Kenya’s youth.
As the programme progresses, its success hinges on participant commitment and continued policy support. With over 70 trainees already enrolled and plans to scale up, the initiative represents a critical step toward transforming Likoni’s youth into a digitally skilled workforce capable of competing in the global economy.