Education CS calls for increased student uptake in key ICT courses

JOOUST vice-chancellor Stephen Agong' (left) with Education CS Ezekiel Machogu during the institution's 10th graduation ceremony in Siaya on March 3, 2023. [Collins Oduor, Standard]

Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu has called for rapid technological changes to boost long-term learning. This is as the world transitions to a digital economy.

Machogu said the country has achieved notable success with start-ups that have grown to create employment opportunities for Kenyans.

"For any nation to succeed, it must integrate digital learning technologies and skills into all curricula and develop appropriate teaching methods. We are working towards ensuring that digital skills are part of basic education in our country."

"All we want at our technical vocational training centres is to attain international standards and allow our graduates to have dual certification. This will solve the issues of high unemployment levels and transform the country into having self-employed youth."

He announced that the Ministry, in partnership with Digital Labs across TVET (technical and vocational education and training) centres would transform the entire digital space.

"The digital economy will drive growth and create jobs, especially for the youth," Machogu said, explaining that two national polytechnics; Kabete and Kisii have already received equipment for their Digital Economy Enablement Programme.

The initiative aims at providing youth with access to digital skills and opportunities. Kisii received 100 computers. In the last ten years, digital innovations have brought new occupations, and new jobs have emerged to absorb the increasing number of youth graduating from universities.

Youths have also had access to digital jobs, including data analysts, digital security experts, social media marketers and data entry clerks.

Nairobi serves as the hub for successful start-ups, especially those in the fintech space such as Cellulant, Africa's Talking, Sokowatch, Fuzu and Apollo.