Lamu rising digital economy through youth skills training

When Rose Waithera enrolled for digital skills training under the Huawei DigiTruck Programme in Lamu County, she was heavily pregnant and unsure what the coming weeks would look like.

Each morning, she travelled from Manga to Mokowe using two boats to attend classes. In the middle of the five-week course, she gave birth. But instead of dropping out, she returned to complete the training.

At the graduation ceremony held at the Mokowe Kenya Maritime Authority Command Centre, Rose stepped forward carrying her newborn baby as she received her certificate alongside more than 140 other graduates.

“Joining the Huawei DigiTruck programme gave me hope and confidence for my future,” she said. “During the training period, I delivered my baby but returned to continue learning because I did not want to miss this opportunity. Graduating today while carrying my child is a proud moment for me and my family.”

For the young mother, the daily commute and balancing motherhood with studies became part of a bigger dream building a more stable future through digital skills.

Rose’s journey was among the stories that stood out during the graduation, where young people from different parts of Lamu completed training in ICT and digital literacy.

Also among the graduates was Simon Murimi, a student living with disabilities affecting both his hands and legs. Despite the physical challenges, he attended every lesson and completed the programme, earning admiration from fellow trainees.

“This programme has shown me that disability is not inability,” Simon said. “Despite the challenges I face, I attended every session because I believe these digital skills will shape my future. I am grateful to Huawei Kenya and the Lamu County Government for giving us equal opportunities to learn and grow.”

The DigiTruck Programme is a partnership between Huawei Kenya, the Lamu County Government and Computers for Schools Kenya. Through a solar-powered mobile classroom, the initiative brings digital training closer to communities that have limited access to technology and ICT learning opportunities.

In Lamu, the programme focused on equipping young people in areas such as Mokowe and Mpeketoni with practical digital skills that can help them access jobs, start businesses and explore online opportunities.

Speaking during the graduation ceremony, Lamu Deputy Governor Dr Mbarak Bahjaj said the programme was helping close the digital skills gap among young people in the county.

“Programs like the DigiTruck are critical in bridging the digital skills gap among young people,” he said. “By equipping Lamu’s youth with practical digital knowledge and modern ICT competencies, this initiative is not only preparing them for today’s technology driven world, but also opening up pathways to innovation, entrepreneurship, and meaningful participation in the digital economy.”

He added: “This is a significant step toward empowering local communities through access to opportunity and inclusive growth.”

Huawei Kenya Public Affairs and Media Director Khadija Mohammed praised the graduates for remaining committed to the programme despite personal and economic challenges.

“Digital literacy and skilling are critical enablers for youth to actively participate in the digital and knowledge economy,” she said. “Through opportunities such as online jobs, e-commerce, and digital entrepreneurship, young people can unlock new pathways to income generation and self-reliance.”

According to recent ICT access data by the Communications Authority of Kenya and Kenya National Bureau of Statistics, KNBS, only 35 per cent of Kenyans use the internet nationally, with rural communities continuing to lag behind urban areas in digital access.

She added that Huawei would continue supporting digital inclusion programmes targeting underserved communities.

“At Huawei, we believe that technology and digital literacy form the foundation of a thriving digital economy,” she said. “By investing in programmes like DigiTruck and partnering with like-minded organisations, we aim to expand access to opportunity and support youth from historically underserved communities like Lamu to actively participate in Kenya’s digital future.”

Since its launch in 2019, the DigiTruck Programme has reached 43 counties and trained close to 11,000 young people across the country.