There is now a new AI-powered Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) centre in Siaya County, which is set to provide digital job opportunities for the youth in the region.
The new facility was launched during the Siaya Digital Summit 2026, which was held at Bondo Township Primary School grounds in Siaya County. The facility was established in partnership between Huawei and the Konza Technopolis Development Authority.
The new AI-powered BPO centre was set up at the Siaya Community Digital Hub and is the first facility of its kind to be established in a digital hub in Kenya. The facility uses AI technology in providing support services to customers across different platforms, including phone, web, and messaging services.
So far, 20 youths have been trained in using the facility and are set to provide support services to both local and international clients. This could provide job opportunities for the youths while at the same time exposing them to the world outside their region.
The new facility is set to be replicated in other parts of the country should it prove successful in Siaya County.
While speaking during the launch, Ruth Mokaya, who works as a Cloud Solutions Engineer at Huawei, said that this new initiative was proof that technology could be used to change lives in the community at large.
“This initiative reflects the power of technology to transform communities. When young people are equipped with the right skills, they improve their own livelihoods while uplifting entire communities,” said Ruth.
She further said, “Our mission is built on our global #Tech4All Initiative. Initiatives such as Jitume Digital Hubs are designed to empower communities, especially in rural and remote areas, to become more productive members of a digital economy through digital literacy. This is in line with the government’s vision for a digitally empowered nation in line with the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda.”
ICT Cabinet Secretary William Kabogo Gitau, who was present at the summit, said that they are working to ensure that young people in all parts of the country are able to access digital opportunities and not just those in major towns.
“This innovative partnership combines the capabilities of a tech leader such as Huawei and Konza’s Data Center with the infrastructure of the Digital Hubs, which have high-speed broadband and devices, to directly create jobs across the country. It also shows how AI can assist and support our youth to deliver online services at a globally competitive level,” he added.
Kabogo noted that the partnership brings together infrastructure, training and technology in a way that can directly create jobs.
“This innovative partnership combines the capabilities of a tech leader such as Huawei and Konza’s Data Center with the infrastructure of the Digital Hubs, which have high-speed broadband and devices, to directly create jobs across the country. It also shows how AI can assist and support our youth to deliver online services at a globally competitive level,” he added.
Beyond the BPO launch, Huawei also trained 100 young people in digital skills such as networking, cabling and ICT infrastructure under its HCIA programme. These skills are seen as key in supporting Kenya’s growing digital infrastructure, including the ongoing fibre rollout.
Kabogo said the expansion of fibre connectivity is already opening up opportunities.
“Rolling-out 100,000 km of fibre is creating jobs for our youth. This partnership between the Ministry of ICDE and Huawei taking place at the Siaya Community Digital Hub is exactly what the Hubs are intended to be for – collaborative capacity building at the grassroots to prepare our youth for jobs building, managing and maintaining infrastructure for the digital economy,” he said.
Konza Technopolis CEO John Paul Okwiri said digital hubs are becoming important spaces for young people to learn, connect and build careers in the digital space.
“Digital hubs such as this one play a critical role in nurturing innovation and providing young people with access to infrastructure, mentorship, and collaborative spaces. They are part of a broader ecosystem, including initiatives like Konza Digital Media City, designed to empower creators, developers, and digital professionals with world-class opportunities,” he said.
For some of the beneficiaries, the training is already making a difference. Olivier Ogawa, one of the 20 youths trained on BPO skills, said the experience has opened up new possibilities.
“Through the training, I gained practical skills in digital communication and customer support systems that can be applied in the BPO industry and other online work opportunities. These skills give us the confidence to compete for digital jobs and generate income from wherever we are,” he said.
The Siaya Community Digital Hub is part of the government’s Jitume Digital Hubs programme, which aims to set up centres across the country to help young people access digital skills and opportunities.
Officials say the focus now is to ensure such initiatives translate into real jobs and income for young people, especially in counties.
“Kenya’s digital future will be built not only in our major cities but in counties across the country where young people are ready to innovate, create, and lead,” Kabogo said.
