𝐂𝐒 𝐎𝐰𝐚𝐥𝐨 𝐋𝐚𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐬 𝐃𝐢𝐠𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐇𝐮𝐛𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐅𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐖𝐢-𝐅𝐢 𝐢𝐧 𝐁𝐮𝐧𝐠𝐨𝐦𝐚

In a bid to bridge the digital divide and empower the youth, Cabinet Secretary for Information and The Digital Economy, Eliud Owalo, launched state-of-the-art digital laboratories and free Wi-Fi hotspots in Bungoma County.

The newly commissioned facilities, located at Bungoma North Technical and Vocational College, Tongaren Sub County, Bungoma National Polytechnic in Kanduyi, and the Bus Stage, are part of the Kenya Kwanza government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda.

“The President is fully dedicated to matters of the digital economy, youth employment, and service delivery,” Owalo stressed, highlighting the government’s commitment to connecting rural areas and equipping young people with the skills needed to thrive in the digital age.

He further announced the ambitious JITUME initiative, which aims to establish 25,000 Wi-Fi hotspots in market places across the country and equip Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions with over 23,000 virtual desktops.

“The world is drastically evolving. We want to equip our youths with competent digital skills, to leverage on digital jobs,” Owalo asserted, urging the youth to embrace the available resources for growth.

Bungoma Deputy Governor Janepher Mbatiany echoed Owalo’s sentiments, commending the initiative and encouraging young people to capitalize on the established digital infrastructure for jobs and innovation.

“This program is a game-changer. Our youths can now utilize the established digital facilities for jobs and skills,” she stated, pointing to the success of the County government’s AJIRA digital program, which provides digital skills and employment opportunities.

The launch event was attended by Members of Parliament John Chikati and John Makali, Principal Secretaries Prof. Edward Kisiangani (Broadcasting) and John Tanui (ICT), County Executive Committee Members, and other leaders.

Owalo’s initiative marks a significant step towards bridging the digital divide and empowering the youth in Bungoma County and beyond. By providing access to technology and training, the government hopes to unlock new opportunities for young Kenyans and drive economic growth through the digital economy.