Kikuyu breaks ground for Jitume Centre to provide advanced digital training

The ceremony was presided over by Kikuyu MP Kimani Ichung’wah, officials from the Technopolis Development Authority (formerly Konza Technopolis Development Authority), which is implementing the Jitume Digital Enablement Programme, and other government leaders.

The centre is expected to provide advanced training and innovation facilities in areas including artificial intelligence, robotics, software development, cloud computing, cybersecurity, data analytic and digital content creation.

Ichung’wah said the facility would strengthen the government’s efforts to equip young people with skills needed to participate in the digital economy.

“By investing in digital infrastructure, digital skills and innovation ecosystems, we are creating opportunities for our young people to innovate, establish technology-driven enterprises and secure digital jobs,” Ichung’wah said.

The Kikuyu facility is among 47 planned Centres of Excellence, with one expected in each county. The centres will complement more than 330 Jitume Digital Hubs already established across the country.

According to t, nearly 30,000 digital devices have been deployed since the programme began in 2023, with more than 100,000 young people trained. The authority says 91,428 youths have accessed digital jobs through the programme.

Speaking during the groundbreaking ceremony, Eng. Paul Kioi said the Kikuyu centre would provide workspace and facilities for digital creatives, e-commerce, learning and other government services.

The facility will also feature collaborative workstations and high-speed internet to support young people and innovators.

Kioi said the centre was part of a wider plan to establish a Centre of Excellence in every county and create an environment where young entrepreneurs can turn digital ideas into sustainable businesses.

Kiambu currently has 10 digital and innovation hub sites spread across Kiambu, Kikuyu, Lari, Limuru, Ruiru and Thika.

The Jitume programme is being implemented by the Technopolis Development Authority in collaboration with the Communications Authority of Kenya, the ICT Authority, and the National Government Constituencies Development Fund.