Residents of Likuyani sub county in Kakamega County have been urged to
embrace digital learning in order to be in tandem with a fast, technologically advancing world. Mr. Magellan Otanga, an officer working with Safaricom, made the remarks when
he presided over the first graduation ceremony at Makutano Computer
Centre in Sango ward, Likuyani sub county.
Otanga encouraged Kenyans, especially the youths, to enroll for
computer studies to enable them tap and benefit from myriad of
opportunities offered by modern technology through the internet and
other social media platforms.
“Nowadays, government and private institutions as well as non-profit
organizations and development agencies package and disseminate key
information about their products and services through the internet,” observed Otanga who gave examples of the Higher Education Loans Board
(HELB) and job advertisements.
The official noted it was only computer literate individuals who had
higher chances of benefiting from the same.
“Besides commercial activity, Likuyani sub county is also among the
country’s grain and milk basket zones. Hence farmers need to access
vital information from the internet on modern and best practices in
agricultural and livestock production for them to be at par with their
counterparts elsewhere,” pointed out Otanga.
Otanga encouraged county government of Kakamega to enlighten area
residents on various development programmes and projects initiated by
it by installing information resource centres in all the 60 wards.
“This will not only help the county government sell its policies and
development agenda to the locals, but also enable residents,
especially farmers and business community, familiarize themselves with
modern trends of production and growth in various sectors,” observed
Otanga.
“Such an approach will also ensure transparency and accountability of
public funds,” he added.
However, the official expressed his disappointment over the lack of
adequate communication bureaus and resource centres in Likuyani sub
county, noting the situation had denied area residents with
opportunities to interact and keep abreast with what is happening
around them.
He encouraged interested investors to tap the opportunity and provide
internet services to the residents.
His sentiments were echoed by the institution’s Director Mrs. Yari
Gorle Obware who said the college’s main objective was to help the
youth acquire digital skills for them to favorably compete in the
digital globe.
“This computer center is basically designed to help the youths , we
are looking at youths who are empowered and have the skills to compete
in the job market and our biggest driver was the fact that Kenya was
becoming so digitalized and our youths were being left behind,”
explained Mrs. Obware
