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Government’s Ajira Digital Programme to offer online jobs to over 1M youths


The government has unveiled a new portal that will see over one million unemployed youth in Kenya benefit from online jobs over the next year.  Known as the Ajira Digital programme, the platform is a multi-sectoral government initiative that aims to introduce young people to online work.

Through the programme, young people will be introduced to online work and provided with tools, training, and mentorship to work and earn an income through online work.

According to ICT Cabinet Secretary Joe Mucheru, “This programme is in line with the government’s promise of job creation and a response to a globally growing market for online work,”

The government estimates that there are 400,000 Kenyans working online although the demand is still high. Young people working through the Ajira Digital programme will be earning Sh2,200 for every job they do and they will only be taxed at 5 per cent.

Statistics show that online work is expected to make up to 20% of global recruitment in the next four years. In fact, the market size for online work in total is estimated to be USD 4.8 billion in 2016 and is projected to generate USD 15 billion by 2020.  Kenya is also ranked top in Africa and the 10th biggest global supplier of online workers

The Ajira Digital Programme has already recruited 150 officers from all the 47 counties to help in sensitizing and facilitating the youths with the skills to enable them to work online. The programme is spearheaded by the Ministry of ICT in partnership with the Ministry of Public Service, Youth and Gender Affairs, Ministry of Education and Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Mr.Mucheru also said the ICT ministry will soon be launching constituency innovation hubs across the country. These hubs according to the CS will be located in CDF offices and will have 24-hour free Internet access which will allow people to register, download and upload their work.

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Nixon Kanali

Tech journalist based in Nairobi. I track and report on tech and African startups. Founder and Editor of TechTrends Media. Nixon is also the East African tech editor for Africa Business Communities. Send tips to nkanali@techtrendske.co.ke.

6 Comments

  1. Can one work from their homes and what of those who live in remote areas where there is network issues

    1. I guess one can still work from their homes as long as the have internet. The aim of the portal from our understanding is just to connect you with the online jobs and you can work from anywhere. About those who are in remote areas, the option is just to get a place with a better network.

  2. And if I may ask can one gets another job far from online work I mean like Kenya Defence Force???please connect

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