Department of Education, Sports and Social Protection is in talks with representatives from the Lotus Kenya Action for Development Organization (LOKADO) to rollout of the Digitally Enabled Gender Equity and Social Inclusion (DEGESI) project.

The initiative, supported by the African Centre for Women in ICT (ACWICT) and funded by UKDAP, intended to train 1,250 youth aged 18-35 as Community Digital Champions (CDCs).

These champions are expected to reach over 50,000 residents across Turkana, boosting digital literacy and access to online services.

County Executive Committee Member for Education, Sports and Social Protection Leah Audan, welcomed the project highlighting its potential to empower youth and marginalised groups as she called for strong partnerships to sustain and scale up the initiative.

She stressed the importance of balanced representation, ensuring gender equity and inclusion of persons with disabilities, minority groups and youth from all walks of life.

“This programme will not only equip our youth with digital skills but also inspire others through their success stories,” said CECM Audan.

LOKADO Executive Director Augustine Kai added that graduates will receive certification from the ICT Authority (ICTA), opening doors to public service jobs and further training in fields like AI and Data Science.

Dennis Esekon Lokitare, the LOKADO Programme Manager, explained that DEGESI aims to bridge long-standing digital divides in underserved communities by offering accessible, high-quality training and nurturing a new generation of change makers.

Once deployed, CDCs will help communities navigate e-government platforms such as Social Health Authority and eCitizen, access crop and weather updates, promote online markets, guide job seekers, and support mobile entrepreneurship.

Director of Vocational Training Stephen Eregae, Deputy Director, Jeremy Loyapan, and LOKADO Data Analyst Ambrozius Lokolel were also present.

• A Tell Media / KNA report / By Peter Gitonga