Nairobi, 5th October 2024
The County Chief Officer for Digital Economy and Startups, Sande Oyolo, inaugurated a three-day Training of Trainers (TOT) program following the successful completion of ICDL workforce training. The program targeted staff from the e-Learning department, under the Digital Economy and Startups sub-sector, who have been deployed as ICT instructors across 11 VTCs.
Sixteen participants, having completed their ICDL coursework and passed the necessary exams, are currently undergoing the TOT training, which is set to conclude with a graduation ceremony on Wednesday, 9th October at Charter Hall.
The training, conducted by ICDL trainer Joy Mwangi and hosted by UZUZI Hub at the University of Nairobi, reflects the Nairobi County Government’s commitment to enhancing digital competency within its workforce. The program also aligns with the County’s mission to offer ICT courses at subsidized rates.
During the opening ceremony, Mr. Oyolo emphasized that ICT skill development is integral to Nairobi’s broader digital transformation agenda. He stressed that this training is part of a larger initiative to modernize and automate county services, ultimately enhancing public service delivery. “Digital skills are not just a tool for operational efficiency; they are a pathway to career advancement and personal growth within the County Government. Our goal is to ensure that every staff member is equipped to contribute to a more connected, technologically driven city,” he said.
Mr. Oyolo also commended the participants for their dedication, noting that those who excel in acquiring digital skills through such initiatives will be well-positioned for career development and promotions. He further highlighted the value of ICDL certification, which is globally recognized and enhances employability both within and beyond the public sector. He also expressed the County’s interest in expanding such programs to reach more employees across various departments.
Nairobi County is pursuing Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with the ICDL Foundation to extend training opportunities not only for staff but also for the broader community. In line with this, discussions with UZUZI Hub are underway to assist the county in establishing fully equipped Digital Hubs at City Hall and in various wards, fulfilling H.E Governor Sakaja’s goals of creating accessible digital spaces for all residents.
Director, Digital Economy and Startups, Ms. Elizabeth Ndung’u commended the participants for their hard work and dedication. “I want to recognize the incredible progress each of you is making. Your commitment to mastering these new skills is commendable, and I am confident that you will take these competencies forward in your roles. We also extend our deep appreciation to UZUZI Hub for their support in hosting this initiative,” she said.
Ms. Ndung’u shared that Nairobi County is exploring ways to extend this initiative to the general public, with a particular focus on youth and small businesses. This effort aims to build a digitally literate and economically empowered society. “By fostering partnerships and providing training opportunities, Nairobi County continues to champion the use of technology, not only to improve its services but also to offer greater employment opportunities for its citizens,” she added.
The training is conducted via Skills box, an innovative assessment, learning, and certification platform accredited by the ICDL Foundation. This ensures participants receive internationally recognized credentials upon completion. Throughout the program, participants are guided by certified trainers, including technical support teams, ensuring even staff with limited ICT knowledge gain confidence and proficiency.
John Wali of UZUZI Hub emphasized the importance of expanding the ICDL training program beyond university students to include the broader workforce. “Our partnership with the ICDL Foundation aims to democratize access to digital literacy. By incorporating financial literacy and offering scholarships, we ensure marginalized communities can also benefit. We believe that when one person in a community is empowered, they can empower others, creating a ripple effect of transformation,” Mr. Wali explained.
Beyond improving the digital competencies of county staff, the program aims to establish a model for other counties and public sector organizations in Kenya. By continually investing in skills development, Nairobi County positions itself as a leader in leveraging technology to enhance service delivery, reduce operational costs, and boost overall efficiency.
In July 2023, Nairobi County became the first county to be accredited as a training and testing centre for the ICDL certification program.
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