The government is preparing to roll out the second phase of the Ajira Digital Programme, with a renewed focus on expanding digital job opportunities, strengthening governance and ensuring more young Kenyans, including persons with disabilities and women, benefit from the country’s growing digital economy.
The plans were discussed on Tuesday when Information, Communications and the Digital Economy Cabinet Secretary William Kabogo met a delegation from the Mastercard Foundation led by Country Director Hannah Tsadik.
The meeting reviewed the achievements of the programme’s first phase, which has, over the past five years, equipped thousands of young people with digital skills through partnerships with various institutions and stakeholders.
In the Ministry’s view, the second phase of the programme, scheduled for 2026-2030, will focus on having strong governance systems, monitoring and evaluation, and expanding digital hubs in the country to improve access to training as well as opportunities to earn online.
The second phase will also pay more attention to increasing participation of people with disabilities, young women and others, as the government tries to make the digital economy more inclusive.
Kabogo and the Mastercard Foundation reiterated their determination to collaborate in developing a skilled digital labor force able to take advantage of job and business opportunities online.
The collaboration will be instrumental in pursuing the government’s larger objective of providing jobs through technology, while making sure more Kenyans have the necessary skills to participate in the international digital economy.
ICT and e-Government Secretary Mary Kirema also attended the briefing.
