Front Row: The PS State Department for TVET, Dr. Esther Muoria (2nd Right) with the CEO KSTVET Dr. Edwin Tarno (far right), and KSTVET DPAA. Joyce Baraza in group photo with Jitume master trainers after launching the Jitume training of trainers at the KSTVET on 12th February 2023.
In a bold stride toward empowering Kenya’s youth, President Dr. William S. Ruto unveiled the ambitious Jitume program on December 6th, 2022. This visionary initiative, under the auspices of the Kenya Kwanza government, is poised to revolutionize digital literacy and economic opportunities for young people across the nation.
At its core, the Jitume program aims to equip Kenya’s youth with essential digital skills, e-services, and online opportunities. With over 112 Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions now bolstered by 10,094 state-of-the-art desktops and high-speed internet access, the stage is set for a transformative leap into the digital realm. Yet, despite this robust infrastructure, the full potential of the virtual desktop infrastructure remains largely untapped.
Taking the helm in this educational revolution is the esteemed Kenya School of TVET, entrusted with the pivotal task of training and activating Jitume centers nationwide. Already, 120 trainers from 60 TVET institutions have undergone rigorous instruction, with a unique twist – their certification hinges on their ability to earn through online employment, making the training inherently apprenticeship-based.
But why should Kenyans heed the call to “Jitume”? The answer lies in the program’s ambitious goals: to bolster foreign income, alleviate unemployment, combat crime, drive economic growth, bolster tax revenue, and stabilize foreign exchange rates. Moreover, by enhancing digital literacy nationwide, Jitume is positioning Kenya as a frontrunner in the burgeoning digital gig economy.
Central to the success of this initiative is the Kenya School of TVET, the epicenter of capacity building for TVET trainers. Under the dynamic leadership of CEO Dr. Edwin Tarno, the institution meticulously crafted the Jitume curriculum, which received the seal of approval from the Cabinet Secretary for Education, Hon. Ezekiel Machogu, in December 2023. Twenty master trainers, drawn from the Kenya School of TVET and Rift Valley National Polytechnic, spearheaded the training initiative, eight of whom are seasoned online job workers – or “taskers.” Through an apprenticeship-based model, these trainers are not only imparting skills but embodying the potential of online earning to inspire others.
Currently, the school is in the midst of training 240 trainers, as cohort 2 & 3 of the targeted 600, who will serve as conduits for disseminating knowledge nationwide. Moreover, rigorous monitoring and evaluation mechanisms ensure that the outcomes of this training resonate with the program’s overarching objectives.
In essence, the Jitume program is more than a mere initiative; it’s a beacon of hope, a catalyst for change, and a testament to Kenya’s unwavering commitment to harnessing the power of technology for the prosperity of its people. As the nation embraces this digital frontier, the promise of a brighter future beckons – one where opportunity knows no bounds, and every Kenyan can truly “Jitume” to success.
By Joseph Orina Makori, Head of Division National ODeL in TVET Kenya
