At least 63 youths have benefit from a digital skill project targeting cyber security and data analytics.
The youths drawn from across the country graduated in Kisumu on February 2025 following a three months bootcamp progra.
The project implemented by Fablab Winam, an innovation hub, was funded by World Bank and Kenya’s Ministry of Trade and Investment.
According to Martin Oloo, the CEO of Fablab, at least 1, 847 applicants had expressed interest in the program.
‘We are glad that today we are celebrating because we had 100 per cent completion rate’-martin oloo
The program however picked 63 who underwent the bootcamp project which equipped them with knowledge and skills on Cyber Security and Data Analytics.
He noted that half of the beneficiaries were drawn from Kisumu, while the rest picked from other parts of the country.
“We are glad that today we are celebrating because we had 100 per cent completion rate,” said Oloo.
He said 44 of the graduates have already been attached to various areas, including placement in jobs.
Oloo said with the growing threats on cyber security globally, every business requires people to have knowledge and skills to navigate the threats. This, he said, makes the beneficiaries of the project relevant in the job market.
“Data analytics is also relevant in the current job market to help businesses make sense of the huge data required to help with strategic decision making,” he added.
Partnerships with TVETs
John Awiti, Kisumu County Executive Member for Education and Innovation noted that the program was a boost to its youth empowerment program through skills development.
He likened the program to the work of the Technical and Vocational Training Centres (TVETs) which promote innovative learning.
“I am impressed by the kind of innovation here, especially the machines used here which some of our TVET institutions do not have. We will look into avenues of having Fablab partner with some of our institutions to share these advanced machines,” said Awiti.
He added: “We are also going to sensitize our people to know what FabLab is doing, and encourage some of our students to seek attachments and internships with FabLab so that they gain the much needed skills.”
Phillip Maitha who represented the State Department for Industry echoed Mr Awiti’s sentiments, saying the aim of the project is to give youths practical skills applicable immediately in the industry.
He noted that digital skills is critical in today’s job market, being an enabler to all the sectors of the economy.
“As a Ministry, we are deliberate in sponsoring such programs so as to equip the youths with such skills,” he said.
‘The job market is constantly evolving, and in the next ten or so years, I think it will not be easy to survive in the job market without digital skills, and I am glad I am acquiring the skills now’-mercy bodo
Mercy Bodo, one of the beneficiaries of the project noted that the project had impacted in her career.
“I have a background in communication, so coming into this program and trying this has exposed me to much more in terms of digital security given the practical skills I acquired from the project,” she said.
She added: “The job market is constantly evolving, and in the next ten or so years, I think it will not be easy to survive in the job market without digital skills, and I am glad I am acquiring the skills now.”
