ILO and Microsoft Launch Digital Skills Programme for Refugee and Host Community Youth in Kenya

The International Labour Organization (ILO), in partnership with Microsoft, Power Learn Project Africa, the Turkana County Government and with support from the Government of the Netherlands under the PROSPECTS Partnership, has launched a digital skills and employment programme targeting 1,700 young people from refugee and host communities in Kenya.

The 25-week initiative will be implemented in Turkana and Garissa counties, equipping participants with practical digital skills, professional certifications and employment pathways as demand for digital talent continues to grow across the country.

However, this programme comes at a time when Kenya’s digital economy is projected to contribute US$5.1 billion to the country’s GDP by 2028, even as employers continue to report shortages of job-ready digital talent. While more than one million young people enter Kenya’s labour market annually, many struggle to access employment due to limited market-relevant skills, leaving youth unemployment persistently high.

Under the programme, training will be delivered through a blended learning model by Power Learn Project Africa in collaboration with local digital hubs, community-based organizations, refugee-led organizations and other implementation partners. Up to 1,000 learners will also receive Microsoft certification vouchers, allowing them to earn globally recognized credentials in high-demand technology fields.

The curriculum is divided into two learning tracks. The intermediate level focuses on foundational digital literacy and workplace skills, while the advanced track enables learners to specialize in areas such as artificial intelligence, cloud computing and data analytics, aligning with Microsoft certification pathways.

Beyond technical training, the initiative is also designed to improve participants’ transition into the labour market through career readiness support, employer engagement, entrepreneurship opportunities and access to remote work.

Speaking during the launch, Caroline Khamati Mugalla, Director of the ILO Country Office for Tanzania, Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda, said digital transformation is rapidly reshaping labour markets, making it increasingly important to ensure vulnerable communities are not excluded from emerging economic opportunities.

“The ILO is committed to ensuring that technological change advances decent work, rights at work, and inclusive labour market participation. Investing in market-relevant, internationally recognised digital skills for these communities is a sound labour market investment – and a commitment to ensuring that no one is left outside the opportunities that digital transformation creates.” She added.

“Digital skills are the foundation for inclusive growth, but access remains uneven, particularly in underserved communities. Through initiatives such as these, we’re working to close that gap by connecting learners not just to training, but to globally recognised certification and real pathways into employment. This builds on Microsoft’s broader commitment to expanding digital and AI skills across Kenya, ensuring more people can participate meaningfully in the country’s digital economy.” Noted Winnie Karanu, AI Skills Director, Microsoft Elevate.

For Power Learn Project Africa, the programme reflects its broader mission of expanding access to technology careers for underserved youth.

“This partnership speaks directly to our mission. It allows us to bring digital opportunity closer to refugee and host community youth who have too often been excluded from the systems that shape the future of work. For us, this is about more than training. It is about dignity, economic agency, and ensuring that Kenya’s digital transformation is inclusive by design.” Said Mumbi Ndung’u, Co-Founder and Executive Director, Power Learn Project Africa

The initiative also supports Kenya’s wider digital transformation agenda by expanding access to technology training in regions that have historically received limited investment in digital skills development. It also aligns with national priorities around youth employment, refugee inclusion and equitable regional development, while creating stronger links between skills development and labour market demand.

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