Kenya should build on the digital transformation programmes initiated during the tenure of former ICT, Innovation and Youth Affairs Cabinet Secretary Joe Mucheru if it hopes to tackle youth unemployment and strengthen its position as a leading digital economy in Africa.
This is according to young leaders in Nairobi led by Makadara parliamentary aspirant Faith Norah Lukosi.
Speaking on the country’s growing youth population and the future of employment, Lukosi noted that Kenya had made significant progress in education and digital connectivity, creating a strong foundation for technology-driven economic growth.
“Every year, millions of young people are entering the labour market. The challenge before us is how to convert this youthful population into an economic asset rather than a burden. Technology, digital skills and innovation must be at the centre of that conversation,” she said.
Lukosi singled out programmes launched and expanded under Mucheru’s leadership, including the Ajira Digital Programme, the Presidential DigiTalent Programme and digital literacy initiatives, saying they offered practical solutions to the country’s unemployment challenge.
The Ajira Digital Programme was established to equip young people with digital skills and connect them to online work opportunities, enabling them to earn income through freelancing, digital services and remote work. The programme has reached hundreds of thousands of young Kenyans through training, mentorship and access to digital work opportunities.
According to Lukosi, Ajira helped demonstrate that the digital economy can provide meaningful employment opportunities beyond traditional office jobs.
“At a time when conventional employment opportunities are becoming increasingly limited, Ajira opened a new frontier for young people. It showed that online work is not just a side hustle but a viable economic pathway,” she said.
She also praised the Presidential DigiTalent Programme, which provides ICT graduates with structured training, mentorship and internship opportunities within government and partner institutions to enhance their employability and technical skills.
“The Presidential DigiTalent Programme gave young graduates the practical experience that many employers demand. It helped bridge the gap between education and the workplace while strengthening Kenya’s digital workforce,” Lukosi said.
She further noted that investments in digital literacy programmes had contributed to preparing learners for a technology-driven future by expanding access to digital tools and ICT learning opportunities.
However, Lukosi argued that Kenya must now move beyond isolated programmes and integrate youth-focused digital initiatives into a broader economic development strategy.
“The foundations have already been laid. What we need now is continuity, expansion and deliberate investment. Successful programmes should not end with changes in leadership. They should be scaled up to reach more young people,” she added.
Drawing lessons from successful middle-income economies, Lukosi said governments around the world were increasingly formalising the digital and freelance economy, recognising that traditional employment alone cannot absorb growing youth populations.
She called for increased investment in affordable internet access, digital infrastructure, mentorship programmes and access to global digital markets.
She argued that young freelancers in Kenya need affordable connectivity, digital payment systems and stronger links to international markets.
He remarks were supported by Nick Wachira,a youth advocacy leader who opined tha government support should focus on making freelancing a respected and sustainable career.
The leaders also urged policymakers to strengthen support for youth-led startups through targeted financing and business-friendly regulations.
