Siaya: Young people in Alego Usonga are set to benefit from a new Jitume Digital Centre aimed at equipping them with digital skills, creating employment opportunities and providing access to modern technology.

The centre’s groundbreaking ceremony was held in Alego Usonga, marking the beginning of a project expected to expand access to digital services and training for young people in the area.

Antony Sang’, the Chief Manager in charge of Construction Operations Management at the Technopolis Development Authority, said the authority is overseeing the project in terms of construction.

He said the project forms part of the government’s wider effort to establish standard digital hubs across Kenya.

The Ministry of ICT and the Digital Economy is rolling out the digital hubs in different parts of the country, with the centres expected to provide young people with opportunities to acquire practical digital skills.

The Jitume centre will provide access to digital equipment and Wi-Fi, enabling young people to learn and improve their ability to use technology.

The initiative is also expected to support young entrepreneurs and people seeking employment.

According to the officials, the centre will receive support from various government institutions, including Parliament, the National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF), the Technopolis Development Authority, the Ministry of ICT and the Communications Authority.

The institutions are expected to work together to promote digital skilling and ensure that young people have access to opportunities created by the growing digital economy.

Officials encouraged young people in Alego Usonga to make use of the facility once it becomes operational.

They said the centre would provide an opportunity for youth to learn how to use digital equipment and develop skills that could contribute to their future businesses and employment.

Maurice Otieno, who represented the Alego Usonga Member of Parliament at the groundbreaking ceremony, said the project was intended to help transform the lives of young people through skills development.

The centre is expected to help job seekers access employment opportunities, including opportunities available locally and internationally. It will also provide a platform where young people can search for jobs and develop skills required in the modern workplace.

The project will also include facilities for studying, research and technical skills learning, giving users a space to develop their knowledge and practical abilities.

The contractor, identified in the notes as Tumba, said efforts would be made to ensure the project is completed as soon as possible. He said the team would work together with local young people and ensure that the available funds are put to proper use.

The project is reported to have taken about a year to reach the current stage and is estimated to cost approximately Sh32 million. Officials said construction is now underway and expressed hope that the facility would be operational within the coming months.

Once completed, the Alego Usonga Jitume Digital Centre is expected to become a platform where young people can acquire digital skills, search for employment, conduct research and explore opportunities in the digital economy.

The initiative comes at a time when digital skills are increasingly important in education, entrepreneurship and employment, giving young people in Alego Usonga an opportunity to participate more actively in Kenya’s growing digital economy.