BY TONNY KYULE

In a bid to empower local youth, students and the community at large the Ajira Digital Club has been instrumental in providing essential digital skills training sessions in Konza digital lab at Rongo University.

Founded on October 6, 2023, the Ajira Digital Club has already proven itself to be an invaluable and more of an indomitable resource for students and community members alike.

Dr. James Abila, head of information communication technology (ICT) department at Rongo University said the Konza lab training sessions are fully sponsored by the university and also the government.

“We want our students to thrive in a fast-changing digital world, at large, exposing students to cutting-edge technology, skills and endless cogent facilities.” he said.

Residents said the project has led to a significant reduction in crime rates.

“As more young and old people acquire jobs due to their digital skills, we’re seeing fewer incidents of robbery and violence,” Dr. Abila said.

Purity Eshiunwa, a third-year student of Media and Communications, and also serving as the club’s current vice chairperson, said the training has opened opportunities for self employment,

“I hardly even knew how to operate a mobile phone when I enrolled at the university,” she admitted.

She said the Ajira Digital Club will open doors for digital work for students while in school.

“On top of that, I am a data analyst, a competent graphic designer, virtual reality expert and am graced to have also been accorded certificates in the mentioned areas”, she said.

Jeff Otieno, a second year education said coming to university from a rural set up opened his eyes to digital world.

“I knew nothing about the digital world, and the Ajira Digital Club has opened my eyes to a new world and opportunities,” Otieno said.

“The registration for the training was completely free! I could hardly believe when I heard they accepted even people from around the neighborhood,” recalls Jeff.

He said the training has opened a passion for technology equipping him enormously with digital skills.

The impact of the Ajira Digital Club is prevalent , reaching beyond the university gates, striking to the very core of Rongo’s community.

Mary James, a resident trader affectionately known as “mama mboga” by Kitere residents said her son who just finished secondary school is gaining essential digital skills like data analysis and ethical uses of AI.

“These skills are for anyone. They’re changing lives,” she said.