Technological Gap in Kenya
Jobs in the digital age require technological literacy, but education in digital skills for Kenyan students is lacking. In Kenya, only a small percentage of youth ages 15-24 actively use the internet (32%) and use a computer (15%). For these youth, limited access to technology means limited job prospects and, further, a limited chance at advancing socioeconomically.
NairoBits Trust Offers Training in Digital Skills and Professional Development
NairoBits is a technology trust that trains low-income Kenyan youth with tech skills to thrive in the digital economy. For 20 years, NairoBits has partnered with community-based organizations to offer technology training to disadvantaged Kenyan youth aged 18-24. In addition, youth are linked with employment opportunities upon completion. NairoBits trains 2,000 youth annually, but envisions a future of reaching far more.
Team4Tech Consults on Strategic Plan
Over the next five years, NairoBits aims to train 10,000 Kenyan youth by complementing in-person training with online learning, which will allow NairoBits to scale while also saving costs. An online model will benefit many youth who cannot travel to in-person training in Nairobi, for example, serving a wider range of youth in 15 counties in Kenya, including rural areas. To prepare youth for today’s jobs, an update of the current curriculum will include training on Artificial Intelligence and Blockchain. Ultimately, NairoBits hopes to scale its “Bits” training model to other East African countries.
This vision is becoming a reality through NairoBits partnership with Team4Tech. In March 2021, a Team4Tech project team consulted and reviewed NairoBits’ strategic plan and developed recommendations on how NairoBits could sustainably grow their impact. The team also conducted training for NairoBits staff on Human-Centered Design techniques.
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