By Issa Hussein - Reporter
Kenya, 11 June 2026 - Over 1,000 young people in Lamu County have graduated from a county-sponsored digital literacy programme, marking a major step in efforts to equip youth with skills needed to participate in the growing digital economy.
The graduates were drawn from all 10 wards in the county and completed an intensive digital skills training programme aimed at enhancing their ability to access online opportunities, conduct research and safely navigate the internet.
The graduation ceremony was held at the Lamu Maritime and Innovation Centre and was presided over by Governor Issa Timamy.
Speaking during the event, Governor Timamy said the programme forms part of his administration's broader agenda to digitise the county and create economic opportunities for residents through technology.
He noted that the county government has established nine digital hubs and 28 free public Wi-Fi hotspots across Lamu, describing the achievement as a significant milestone in expanding internet access and digital inclusion.
"Our goal is to ensure that young people have the skills and tools needed to compete in the modern digital economy. Technology has opened up countless opportunities, and we want Lamu residents to benefit from them," he said.
The governor announced that the county has allocated additional resources for an advanced digital skills programme that will target top-performing graduates from the first cohort later this year.
He also revealed plans to introduce digital learning at the Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) level by incorporating tablet-based learning to help children acquire digital skills at an early age.
The training programme was conducted in March 2026 through a partnership between the County Department of ICT and the Technical University of Mombasa (TUM).
TUM Vice Chancellor Prof. Laila Abubakar said the initiative was designed to provide practical digital competencies that can help young people secure employment, create businesses and take advantage of opportunities in the digital space.
She said digital literacy is increasingly becoming a critical skill for participation in today's workforce and economy.
Deputy Governor Dr. Mbarak Bahjaj encouraged the graduates to put their new skills into practice by exploring online employment, entrepreneurship and other income-generating opportunities available through digital platforms.
County Executive Committee Member for ICT Aisha Shariff praised the participants for their commitment and enthusiasm throughout the training, noting that the high turnout reflected growing demand for digital skills among young people in the county.
Graduates expressed optimism that the training would open new pathways for employment and self-employment, particularly in a region where access to conventional job opportunities remains limited.
The programme is part of ongoing efforts by the county government to promote digital inclusion, improve connectivity and prepare residents for opportunities emerging in the technology-driven economy.
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