Unlocking futures: Ichung'wah kicks off construction of digital hub in Kikuyu
This story has significance for readers across Kenya and beyond.
- Kikuyu MP Kimani Ichung'wah presided over the groundbreaking of the Jitume Centre of Excellence in Kiambu County on 20 August 2026
- The centre forms part of a plan to establish one Jitume Centre of Excellence in every county across Kenya's 47 counties
- Since 2023, the broader Jitume programme has deployed nearly 30,000 digital devices and trained over 100,000 youths nationwide
Construction of the Kikuyu Jitume Centre of Excellence has officially commenced following a groundbreaking ceremony in the constituency Thursday, August 20.
The project marka a new phase in Kenya's push to expand digital infrastructure beyond major urban centres.
Kikuyu MP Kimani Ichung'wah presided over the event alongside officials from the Technopolis Development Authority, the implementing agency formerly known as Konza Technopolis Development Authority, and other government officials and political leaders.
Digital Skills Hub for Kiambu's Youth
Once complete, the facility will offer advanced digital training across a range of emerging technologies including artificial intelligence, robotics, software development, cloud computing, cybersecurity, data analytics and digital content creation.
The centre will also house eCommerce spaces, studios, collaborative workstations and learning areas, all supported by high-speed internet connectivity.
Technopolis Development Authority chief executibe officer John Paul Okwiri, represented at the ceremony by manager Building Services Engineer Paul Kioi, described the project's broader purpose:
"The Digital Centre of Excellence is more than a physical facility; it is an investment in Kenya's digital future and youth. Through this Centre we are creating an environment where young digital entrepreneurs and innovators can acquire globally competitive skills and transform ideas into sustainable businesses that create jobs and drive inclusive economic growth."
Ichung'wah emphasised the government's commitment to youth participation in the digital economy.
"The establishment of the Digital Centre of Excellence in Kikuyu reflects the Government's unwavering commitment to ensuring that Kenyans can participate meaningfully in the digital economy. By investing in digital infrastructure, digital skills and innovation ecosystems, we are creating opportunities for our young people to innovate, establish technology-driven enterprises and secure digital jobs thus contributing to Kenya's economic transformation."
One Centre in Every County
The Kikuyu facility is part of the Jitume Digital Enablement Programme, which operates under the Ministry of ICT and the Digital Economy and targets a Centre of Excellence in each of Kenya's 47 counties.
The centres are designed to complement more than 330 Jitume Digital Hubs already operational across the country, creating a tiered pathway from basic digital literacy to advanced skills and entrepreneurship.
Kiambu County alone hosts 10 digital and innovation hub sites across Kiambu, Kikuyu, Lari, Limuru, Ruiru and Thika.
Since the programme launched in 2023, close to 30,000 digital devices have been distributed nationally to train over 100,000 youths, with 91,428 recorded as having accessed digital jobs.
The initiative is delivered in collaboration with the Communications Authority of Kenya, the ICT Authority and the National Government Constituencies Development Fund, with the overarching goal of generating one million digital jobs for Kenyan youth.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
Reporting originally appeared via TUKO. Read the full source for additional context.