State launches internship programme to develop ICT skills

The Government and the private sector have jointly developed a programme to build ICT capacity in the public service to improve efficiency and service delivery.

The Presidential Digital Talent Programme will train graduates through an internship to develop ICT leadership skills. Through the initiative, some 100 interns will be trained for a year in four quarters. This is expected to develop an ICT talent pool, said ICT Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i.

He spoke when he and other ICT players met President Uhuru Kenyatta at State House, Nairobi yesterday. President Kenyatta said his Government fully supports the initiative and pledged funds in the next financial year.

"The programme is at the core of youths because it helps build capacity to participate fully in nation building," he said. Uhuru said the Government used technological advancements to improve security in the country, citing the national surveillance tender awarded to Safaricom.