On 15^th July 2022, Ajira Digital Program hosted a business leaders engagement forum in partnership with the UN-World Food Program (WFP) and the UN- Development Program (UNDP) to engage the local business community and identify available digital and digitally-enabled solutions that would result in growth of the local economy and the livelihoods of the youth and entire community.

The forum was an initial and very crucial step towards a partnership of the local government, private sector and the other development partners in establishing sustainable economic and social solutions that include the growth of local businesses and creation of jobs for young people in Isiolo.

The participants discussed variety of issues including the challenges facing youth in the area which included inadequate economic activities and capital that can support youth employment and entrepreneurship. However, key note speakers highlighted the following issues and possible solutions:

Dr. Ehud Gachugu – Project Director of Ajira Digital Program and Youth Employment at KEPSA urged the participants to embrace digital transformation in finding alternative and better opportunities. “Young people are hungry for change and to provide solutions for global problems. Conventional employment opportunities have continued to diminish and new shifts give us opportunities to embrace the trend and shape our future.” He said.

Mr Federico Naccarato Sartori – Head of Innovation World Food Programme noted that the youth of today have amazing opportunities thanks to the digital economy as there are no more geographical barriers. He added that the youth can work for global companies regardless of their location.

Mr Mohamed Gololcha of UNDP Kenya noted that Isiolo is a unique County with unique opportunities and challenges. He added that as one of the agencies of the UN in Kenya, UNDP has the mandate to eradicate poverty and other SDG goals to ensure the development of the country. “We are a helping hand to the government but there are different opportunities like the accelerator lab, and the mapping of digital opportunities in Kenya which will go a long way in informing stakeholders on the opportunities available.” He said.

Richard Masore from the Ministry of ICT, Innovations and Youth Affairs said the government is playing its part to enhance digital system in the country and grow digital economy through different programs such as Ajira Digital Program, Huduma Whitebox, Digital Literacy Program, Uwezo funds and Women Digital funds among others.

The forum was part of the ongoing series of business engagement forums that Ajira Digital Program has been carrying out in the counties as the Program looks at impactful and gainful solutions for businesses through the digital space while creating jobs for young people.

With this joint initiative, the partners agreed to bring all stakeholders together to take advantage of the unlimited opportunities in the digital space and to put the young people at the centre of tackling economic and social issues.