Youth in Alego-Usonga Constituency are set to benefit from enhanced access to digital skills, employment opportunities and government services following the groundbreaking of a new Jitume Digital Hub in Siaya County.

The groundbreaking ceremony was held on Thursday at the Kenya News Agency grounds in Siaya and was presided over by Kisumu Central Member of Parliament Joshua Oron on behalf of Alego-Usonga MP Samuel Atandi.

Oron, who was accompanied by officials from the area MP’s office, said the facility would provide young people with opportunities to acquire digital skills and improve their prospects of securing employment locally and internationally.

“There will be employment opportunities for those seeking jobs here. Those seeking employment either locally or internationally will come and benefit from this hub,” Oron said.

He added that the facility would also provide access to government-related digital services, including assistance to residents seeking registration certificates, national identification cards and other essential documents.

“Those seeking certificates of registration, national identification cards and various related skills will be able to acquire them here,” he said.

Engineer Antony Sang’, Chief Manager for Construction Operations Management at the Technopolis Development Authority, said the Alego-Usonga facility is part of a nationwide programme to establish 4,450 digital hubs across constituencies under the Ministry of ICT and the Digital Economy.

Sang’ said the project had received support from Parliament, the National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF), the Technopolis Development Authority and the Communications Authority of Kenya.

He urged young people in Siaya to take advantage of the facility once completed by acquiring digital skills that could support their businesses and careers.

“We urge all Kenyans and all the youth who are based here in Siaya to come and utilise this resource and get skilled on how to use digital equipment for the future of their businesses, since that is where the economy is headed,” he said.

The contractor, Kamadi Jumba, said the project was estimated to cost approximately Sh32 million and was expected to be completed by March 2027.

Jumba also assured local youth that they would be given opportunities to participate in the construction works.

“When I have work to do, I cannot do it by myself. We will show the youths here how work is done so that the funds we have can be used in this area perfectly to ensure the project is finished within no time,” he said.

Once completed, the Jitume Digital Hub is expected to provide opportunities for employment and self-employment, enhance access to education and global knowledge, support innovation and business growth, and promote digital inclusion among residents of Alego-Usonga.

 by Ochieng Clinton and Damaris Awuor