By East Africa Journal Reporter
Over 140 youths in Lamu County have graduated from the Huawei DigiTruck Programme after successfully completing a five week digital skills training programme conducted in Mokowe and Mpeketoni.
Among the graduates was Rose Waithera, a young mother who enrolled in the programme while expectant and remained committed throughout the five week training. During the course, she gave birth and later returned to complete the sessions. At the graduation ceremony held at the Mokowe Kenya Maritime Authority Command Centre, Rose proudly received her certificate while carrying her newborn baby, a powerful symbol of perseverance and opportunity.
Reflecting on her journey, Rose said the programme had given her hope and confidence for the future.
“During the training period, I delivered my baby but returned to continue learning because I did not want to miss this opportunity. Graduating today while carrying my child is a proud moment for me and my family,” she said.
Rose also revealed that she had to board two boats daily from her home in Manga to Mokowe to attend the sessions, describing the journey as a worthwhile sacrifice that has now opened new opportunities for her future.
The graduation ceremony also celebrated Simon Murimi, a student living with disabilities affecting both his hands and legs, whose determination inspired fellow participants. Despite the challenges, Simon attended all training sessions and successfully completed the programme.
“This programme has shown me that disability is not inability. Despite the challenges I face, I attended every session because I believe these digital skills will shape my future,” Simon said.
The DigiTruck Programme in Lamu is implemented through a partnership between Huawei Kenya, the County Government of Lamu, and Computers for Schools Kenya. The initiative equips young people in areas such as Mokowe and Mpeketoni with practical ICT and digital literacy skills aimed at improving employability, entrepreneurship, and innovation.
The graduation ceremony was attended by Lamu Deputy Governor H.E. Dr. Mbarak Bahjaj, County Executive Committee Member for Climate Change, ICT, E Government and Citizen Participation Hon. Aisha Shariff Omar, county officials, Huawei Kenya representatives, and other ICT stakeholders.
Speaking during the event, Dr. Bahjaj praised the programme for equipping young people with digital competencies needed to thrive in a technology driven economy while helping bridge the digital divide in Lamu County.
“Programs like the DigiTruck are critical in bridging the digital skills gap among young people. By equipping Lamu’s youth with practical digital knowledge and modern ICT competencies, this initiative is opening pathways to innovation, entrepreneurship, and meaningful participation in the digital economy,” he said.
The Huawei DigiTruck, a solar powered mobile digital classroom, continues to expand access to digital learning and emerging technologies in remote communities across Kenya. With Lamu becoming the 43rd county reached by the programme, nearly 11,000 youths nationwide have been trained since its launch in 2019.
Speaking at the event, Huawei Public Affairs and Media Director Khadija Mohammed commended the graduates for their resilience and encouraged them to apply their newly acquired skills to improve their livelihoods.
“Digital literacy and skilling are critical enablers for youth to actively participate in the digital and knowledge economy. Through opportunities such as online jobs, e commerce, and digital entrepreneurship, young people can unlock new pathways to income generation and self reliance,” she said.
She reaffirmed Huawei’s commitment to supporting Kenya’s digital transformation agenda through programmes that expand access to technology and digital opportunities for underserved communities.
The inspiring stories of Rose Waithera and Simon Murimi underscored the broader impact of the DigiTruck initiative, demonstrating that digital transformation is not only about technology, but also about creating opportunities and changing lives.