North eastern youth urged to embrace digital access for innovation, development

Young people in north eastern Kenya have been encouraged to take advantage of digital access to foster innovation and drive development in the region.

Speaking during a verification tour to assess ongoing private sector projects, Jane Kinyanjui from the Communications Authority of Kenya (CAK) emphasised that, despite the challenges faced by the region, young people should not be left behind and must be supported to build their skills through digital platforms.

"I want to encourage the youth in the north eastern region to enhance their digital literacy through various government programmes facilitated by technical institutions. It's time to utilise digital access to connect, learn and earn," she said.

She noted that Kenya ranks highly in youth creativity and innovation, largely due to strong ICT skills among the younger population.

Kinyanjui added that CAK is currently implementing initiatives aimed at addressing ICT gaps and challenges, thereby enabling Kenyans to thrive in the digital sector.

Accompanied by a team from the State Department of Broadcasting, Kinyanjui highlighted how digital platforms have enabled many young people to access entrepreneurial opportunities.

She further urged the youth to use digital platforms responsibly and to steer clear of cybercrime and other destructive behaviours that undermine societal values and ethics.

Assistant County Commissioner Duncan Rono said efforts are being made to raise awareness among young people about ongoing government digitisation programmes that aim to reduce unemployment.

He stressed that the opportunities provided by digital literacy are making a positive impact in improving the living standards of many young Kenyans.

"Let’s not waste time on the unnecessary and distracting aspects of the digital era. Let’s use it constructively to bring meaningful change to ourselves and our communities," he said.

Abdi Hussein, a computer science graduate from Garissa Town, also spoke about the vast opportunities available through digital platforms.

He expressed concern that many young people in the region were squandering their potential and resources by engaging in unproductive activities on social media.

He called on the government to invest in grassroots-level youth empowerment and raise awareness about the opportunities available through digital access.

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