Huawei DigiTruck training helps boost income, employment and entrepreneurship in Kenya

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ICT CS Eliud Owalo along with his Lesotho, Sahrawi and South Sudan counterparts, PSs, Chair of the Communications Authority and CEO of the ICT Authority during the launch of the DigiTruck program. [Courtesy, Huawei]

Each course lasts 40 hours, and provides training in digital skills and soft skills like starting an online business, writing resumes, and applying for jobs online. A survey of 800 of the 4,000+ youth trained over four years revealed significant positive tangible outcomes for beneficiaries. Some of the key findings are;

  • 93% of respondents reported enhanced work capabilities.
  • 79% stated that they passed on their digital skills to others in their communities, fostering a culture of empowerment.
  • Respondents reported a 6% decline in the unemployment rate and a 7% decline in self-employment.
  • 35% of respondents attribute an income boost due to starting a business with their new digital skills.

"From its inception, the aim of the DigiTruck was to reach remote areas; to reach youth who normally don't have many opportunities; and to reach all across the country," said Steven Zhang, Deputy CEO of Huawei Kenya. "The aim of this DigiTruck is not only to provide digital skills, but also to spread the message about the importance of digital skills and to rally others to our cause."

In his remarks to the delegates at the Connected Africa Summit 2024 H.E. President William Ruto highlighted the findings of the DigiTruck Impact Report and praised the program: "This is the impact of a simple intervention in terms of empowering the youth, and it affirms the promise of our collaborative approach and the power of partnerships in achieving ambitious goals."

As Kenya embraces the digital age, the need for digital skills has evolved from a luxury to a necessity.

The DigiTruck initiative, a collaborative effort between The Ministry of Information, Communications & the Digital Economy, Huawei and other partners, has been at the forefront of empowering Kenyan youth with these essential skills.