MARALAL — Residents of Samburu County, especially youth and teachers, have started benefiting from digital literacy training through a partnership between the county government and non-governmental organizations. The program aims to equip pastoralist communities with skills to use technology and the internet for learning, work and daily activities, ensuring they are not left behind in a digital world.
Speaking in Maralal, County ICT Officer Jonathan Lengolooni said training has already started, with youth in Samburu Central benefiting from online courses. He said the program will be expanded to all three sub-counties and that efforts are underway to strengthen ICT training centers to reduce travel distances.
According to Lengolooni, an ICT training lab built in Samburu East is ready for use by students and residents seeking computer and internet skills to support education and job search.
County Education Officer Husein Gufu said digital skills are critical for education, enabling teachers to improve delivery and learners to access online resources. He said the CBC system will also benefit as students need digital competence for 21st century learning and employment.
However, the officials warned of challenges including poor internet connectivity and lack of electricity in parts of the county, which hampers learners and teachers in remote areas. They also noted that some devices supplied to schools by the Ministry of Education in 2016 are no longer functional and await repair.
Despite challenges, youth are already using skills gained at ICT centers to search for jobs, learn online and run income-generating activities without leaving their localities.
The initiative is seen as part of efforts to include pastoralist communities in national technological advancement, with hopes that expansion of ICT centers and training will make technology part of daily life for teachers, students and youth in Samburu as a tool for education and economic empowerment.
