Stanbic Kenya Foundation, in collaboration with American Tower Corporation (ATC) Kenya and Microsoft, has partnered with Taita Taveta County to transform vocational training through digital skilling.
On Wednesday, the county government and the development partners officially launched a transformative digital skills initiative dubbed, Future Ni Digital program, aimed at empowering youth and communities in the region.
The program seeks to equip residents with critical digital skills, offering a modernized learning environment through the refurbishment of classrooms, provision of laptops, big screens, and high-speed internet connectivity in select vocational training centers (VTCs) such as Mraru and Taveta.
Speaking during the launch of the program, Taita Taveta County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Education, Libraries and Vocational Training Centres, Gloria Monikombo, commended Stanbic Kenya Foundation and ATC for selecting Taita Taveta as part of their program, highlighting the improvements made in VTCs, including the renovation of classrooms and equipping them with modern digital tools as a major boost in the department.
“This partnership is changing the face of our VTCs. It is providing our youth with opportunities to learn practical, life-changing skills,” said Monikombo.
However, she acknowledged that low enrollment remains a challenge due to negative perceptions about vocational training.
“There is negative perception about VTCs and that is what has affected enrollment. But with this program, we hope to change the narrative. These centers offer vital skills that can transform lives for both young and old,” she explained.
Monikombo called on parents, chiefs, and local leaders to spread awareness about the benefits of VTCs and encourage enrollment. She urged the residents to take advantage of opportunities provided, emphasizing that VTCs are now open to all residents willing to gain practical skills that can help them earn a living.
Gracing the event, Deputy Governor Christine Kilalo echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the importance of adopting a positive mindset towards change.
“For change to happen, one must decide to embrace it. If you have not decided to change, even if someone comes in to try and make change, you will remain in the same state. Let’s embrace our VTCs, join them and acquire skills that will help us earn a living. This program gives our youth a chance to learn skills that can help them become self-sufficient,” said Kilalo.
The Deputy governor further urged the development partners to extend the program to other parts of the county while at the same time calling upon the youths to take up the opportunities to grow themselves.
“When an opportunity arises, it will only help you if you make use of it. You have to occupy the space and if you don’t occupy, you will remain the way you are. Then you will come out and say we haven’t given you an opportunity. She stated.
She pointed out that the county’s high unemployment rates pose a significant risk, especially for the youth, urging residents to take advantage of the digital skills training provided at the newly launched Mraru Digital Center and other VTCs in the county.
“Many of our youths spend a lot of time on social media but do not use it productively. With these new skills, they can turn that energy used in social media doing unproductive things into income-generating activities,” she explained.
She also stressed the importance of securing the equipment and resources provided by Stanbic Kenya Foundation and its partners, calling on local leaders to ensure their safety.
Dorine Nalo, Head of Programs at Stanbic Kenya Foundation, outlined the objectives of the Future Ni Digital program stating that the initiative aims to empower communities through digital literacy, create job opportunities, and future-proof education.
“Kenya has 22.71 million internet users, and we spend an average of 3 hours and 43 minutes daily on social media. This program is about turning that potential into productive, income-generating activities,” Nalo said adding that the research was done for the people of ages between 16 and 64 years.
Nalo revealed that the program has already provided 20 computers, 55-inch screens, high-speed internet to VTCs while refurbishing several training Centers in the county.
Nalo disclosed that future plans include scaling up digital skills training to reach one million Kenyans by 2027, with a focus on areas such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and advanced computing.
“All of us must submit that the power of AI has really changed various economies and work and partnering with Microsoft, we are looking to scale up to one million Kenyans by 2027 on AI and cyber security. As you embrace digital and working in the digital spaces, it is important to do it securely so that then, as you’re able to safeguard your income, you safeguard yourselves as well,” she explained
The foundation has also partnered with Cisco Academy to offer deeper technology courses, ensuring participants can access global opportunities.
She further stated that, “Stay curious, keep learning because then you will achieve much more and be adaptable. The skills you’ve acquired today are not just for employment. They are keys to unlocking your potential in the rapidly moving world.”
The program’s impact was evident in the testimonies of its beneficiaries. Rachel Mwambu, a graduate from Taveta VTC, shared her inspiring journey from hopelessness after secondary school to earning an income through digital platforms.
She stated that, “After form 4, I didn’t know that I could earn money online. I didn’t know that I could earn dollars through digital platforms. Personally, I have earned dollars for the first time and I’m very proud.”
She further noted that through Stanbic Kenya Foundation, she has learned typing skills which now she can type faster and efficiently. She is also able to advertise her own products online and get customers from across the world.
Agnes Stephen, also a graduate from Voi VTC highlighted the skills gained in freelancing, transcription, and social media marketing, which have opened up new career opportunities.
“The program covers a range of topics, all of which are incredibly relevant to today’s online landscape. For starters, freelancing has opened up a whole new world for me. I’ve learned how to manage my time and build professional online presence. Transcription and captioning were also the skills I’ve never thought of mastering, but this program has taught me how to convert video to audio content and audio content into text quickly and accurately,” explained a beneficiary.
She further noted that through the program, she is now able to use platforms like PayPal, bank transfer, and other digital payment systems, a key skill vital when it comes to making and receiving payments online.
Jacqueline Chomba, the team lead at ATC Kenya, acknowledged the transformative impact of the program, highlighting the collaborative efforts between ATC, Stanbic Kenya Foundation, and Microsoft in improving VTCs across coastal counties.
“This three-year initiative targets 10 VTCs in Kwale, Mombasa, Kilifi, and Taita Taveta. By providing cutting-edge devices and internet connectivity, we are creating opportunities for learners to thrive,” Chomba said.
She congratulated the graduates and urged them to use their skills responsibly. Chomba urged those in session to make good use of the equipment noting that the future cohorts would also use them.
“As you receive what has been given to you, make use of it to make a difference in your lives. Take care of the devices that you have to make sure that they will benefit the people behind you so that we continue to see transformation across this county,” stated Chomba.
The event, which was held at Vacani Resort, also celebrated the graduation of 60 individuals, including 11 instructors and 49 learners, who completed digital skills training across local vocational training centers (VTCs).
With such impactful programs, Taita Taveta County is positioning itself as a hub for digital transformation by ensuring that its residents are well equipped to navigate the digital economy.
