Huawei’s Digitruck initiative has marked another milestone, graduating 210 young people – 95 women and 115 men – from a six-week digital skills training program at the Uriri Vocational Training Centre in Migori County. The program, which ran from March 18 to April 16, 2025, provided practical, hands-on education in computer literacy, digital marketing, online entrepreneurship, and financial literacy.
Taking Digital Literacy Directly to Underserved Communities
The Digitruck, a solar-powered mobile classroom equipped with internet and modern computing tools, is designed to deliver digital skills to rural and marginalized areas. It directly supports Kenya’s push toward closing the digital divide and making digital opportunities accessible to all youth – regardless of geography or formal education level.
This latest training cohort in Migori County emphasized inclusivity and gender equity. Huawei says it achieved near gender parity, a notable feat in a sector where women are often underrepresented.
A Lifeline for Youth in the Digital Economy
For many trainees, the impact was immediate. Maurine Riziki, a standout participant, explained how the program has already led to paid work:
“The skills I’ve gained—like graphic design and presentation preparation—have opened new doors. I’ve already landed freelance design jobs and earned income as I prepare for university. This training has been life-changing.”
The curriculum included online safety, data protection, and scam awareness – ensuring learners are not just digitally capable but also digitally responsible.
Political Support and Private Sector Collaboration
Uriri Member of Parliament Hon. Mark Nyamita, who attended the graduation ceremony, commended Huawei’s continued investment in rural digital training.
“Digital skills are no longer a luxury—they are a necessity. ICT is bridging opportunity gaps and unlocking potential in every corner of the country,” he said.
Adam Lane, Huawei’s Director of Government Affairs, reiterated the company’s commitment to inclusive digital transformation, especially for youth outside formal education.
“Alongside our University Training Program, which partners with over 60 universities and TVETs, the DigiTruck enables us to reach youth in rural settings. We’re proud to contribute to a digitally skilled generation.”
Over 6,000 Youth Trained Across 36 Counties
Since its 2019 launch, the Digitruck initiative has reached over 6,030 learners across 36 counties, including Trans Nzoia, Nairobi, Marsabit, and Kiambu. In 2024 alone, the program trained 1,648 youth, 906 of whom were women. The expansion into Migori and Homa Bay counties reflects growing demand and strong community support for grassroots digital skilling.
The project also complements other youth-focused initiatives like Huawei’s Seeds for the Future, which recently took 25 Kenyan students to Shanghai for tech immersion and industry exposure .
Alignment with National Digital Transformation Goals
The Digitruck project aligns with the Kenya Kwanza administration’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), specifically its emphasis on the digital superhighway and creative economy. With digital skills increasingly linked to gig opportunities and tertiary ICT education uptake, such programs are becoming foundational to youth employability.
“When we invest in digital education, we invest in people,” said Hon. Nyamita. “Stronger, digitally empowered communities are the foundation of a stronger, more prosperous Kenya.”
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