In a landmark collaboration between the Kenyan government and Huawei Kenya, an independent evaluation report has unveiled the transformative impact of digital skills training provided through the innovative DigiTruck program.
Launched in 2019 as part of Huawei’s TECH4ALL initiative, the DigiTruck represents a pioneering approach to digital empowerment, delivering mobile, solar-powered classrooms equipped with Internet connectivity, laptops, and smartphones to remote communities across Kenya. By converting used shipping containers into mobile classrooms mounted on trucks, the DigiTruck initiative aims to bridge the digital divide by providing free training in digital skills to youth, thereby empowering them to actively participate in the burgeoning digital economy.
At the Connected Africa Summit, Cabinet Secretary for Information, Communications, and the Digital Economy, Eliud Owalo, and Huawei Kenya Deputy CEO Steven Zhang unveiled the report, highlighting its findings and praising the program’s profound impact on youth empowerment.
President William Ruto commended the DigiTruck program, emphasizing its role in empowering youth and underscoring the importance of collaborative efforts in achieving ambitious developmental goals.
A key highlight of the DigiTruck program is its mobility, which enables it to reach remote and underserved communities, ensuring that digital skills training is accessible to all. Cabinet Secretary Eliud Owalo lauded the program’s ability to reach remote areas and emphasized its crucial role in complementing Kenya’s digital transformation agenda.
Each course, spanning 40 hours, offers comprehensive training in digital skills and soft skills essential for success in the digital age, including online business development, resume writing, and job application techniques. A survey of over 4,000 youth trained over four years revealed remarkable outcomes:
93% reported enhanced work capabilities.
79% passed on their digital skills to others, fostering community empowerment.
6% decline in unemployment and 7% decline in self-employment rates.
35% attributed income boosts to starting businesses with newfound digital skills.
Steven Zhang emphasized the DigiTruck’s broader mission of promoting digital literacy and rallying support for digital skill development across Kenya.
As Kenya advances into the digital era, the imperative for digital skills has become indispensable. Through collaborative initiatives like the DigiTruck program, spearheaded by the Ministry of Information, Communication, and the Digital Economy, Huawei, and other partners, Kenya is poised to equip its youth with the essential skills needed to thrive in the digital economy of tomorrow.