For many young people in Lamu, opportunities for work and education have been limited. That’s changing through the Ajira Digital Literacy Program, run by the County Government of Lamu in partnership with the State Department for ICT Innovation and Youth Affairs.
At the Hindi Digital Center, 19-year-old Abubakar Abdulaziz Diko, a secondary school leaver, learned freelancing skills, created his first online profile, and earned his first income from global platforms within weeks. His success is a glimpse of the program’s impact on individuals.
The initiative also reached the Aweer community in Barigoni village, a marginalized group that had previously been cut off from economic opportunities. Through targeted outreach, over 20 youths, including young women, are diversifying their income sources, reducing reliance on scarce local jobs, and inspiring their peers. The program is building confidence, economic resilience, and ensuring marginalized communities are part of Kenya’s digital transformation.
What initiative has your County taken to improve access access to digital skills and online work opportunities for youth and marginalized communities?
Visit https://maarifa.cog.go.ke/ to learn more about the successful initiatives on service delivery our Counties are undertaking.
By Ali Athman
Lamu County