Empowering Kenyan Youth Through the Digital Economy County Centers of Excellence (DECCOE) Program

In response to the pressing digital skills gap stifling economic growth and youth opportunities in Nakuru County and the broader Rift Valley region of Kenya, SiliconRift Initiative emerged. Digital SiliconRift is our inaugural DECCOE for Nakuru County. The initiative is strategically positioned to catalyze the digital economy, envisioning a significant impact on local communities. With Nakuru poised to become the Silicon Valley of the Rift Valley region, the initiative aims to address the digital skills deficit and facilitate access to digital employment and entrepreneurship opportunities.

As a pivotal partner in the Digital SiliconRift Initiative, Qhala assumes a multifaceted role in shaping the digital landscape of Nakuru County. Leveraging its expertise and resources, Qhala spearheads the establishment of Digital Economy County Centers of Excellence (DECCOE) in collaboration with county governments and partner organizations. Qhala’s involvement spans digital skills training, employment facilitation, and entrepreneurship support, ensuring holistic empowerment of the youth in Nakuru County.

The Digital SiliconRift Initiative operates on four key pillars:

Digital Talent Program

Offering comprehensive courses tailored to meet the demands of the digital economy, including web design and development, digital marketing, data science, software engineering, AI, AWS Cloud Practitioner, and online freelancing soft skills. These courses are designed to equip participants with industry-relevant skills, enhancing their employability and entrepreneurial capabilities.

Digital Employment

Through strategic partnerships with global and local employers, DECCOE facilitates the placement of trained talent in the burgeoning digital job market. Additionally, DECCOE provides state-of-the-art co-working spaces to foster collaboration and innovation among freelancers, further boosting the digital employment environment.

Digital Entrepreneurship

DECCOE nurtures a thriving ecosystem for digital entrepreneurship by offering mentorship, resources, and networking opportunities to aspiring tech startups. By providing access to funding, talent, and market insights, DECCOE empowers entrepreneurs to launch and scale their ventures, thereby stimulating job creation and economic growth.

Enabling Investment

Recognizing the critical role of investment in fueling the digital economy, DECCOE facilitates a seamless experience for investors seeking opportunities in the region. From company registration to due diligence services and tax advice, DECCOE serves as a one-stop destination for investors, fostering a conducive environment for sustainable economic development.

We adopted a highly localized approach, prioritizing solutions that are tailored to the unique needs and challenges of the community. We ensure that the training programs are delivered in collaboration with reputable local partners such as eMobilis and Digital Opportunity Trust (DOT), ensuring relevance and accessibility. Moreover, DECCOE integrates soft skills and practical training into its curriculum, ensuring that participants are not only equipped with technical skills but also possess the necessary interpersonal and professional competencies demanded by the digital economy.

• We have successfully piloted the first DECCOE in Nakuru County, with cohort 1 comprising 60 young individuals trained in digital customer service, resulting in job placements with Teleperformance in Mombasa.
• We have established a state-of-the-art BPO facility at the ACK Imani Mall-Nakuru, equipped with modern amenities to cater to the training and employment needs of 1,500 registered participants.
• We have an ambitious goal to create 100,000 jobs across five DECCOEs by December 2025, thereby positioning Nakuru County and the Rift Valley region as vibrant hubs of digital innovation and opportunity.

The Digital SiliconRift Initiative represents a transformative power of innovation and collaboration aimed at empowering Kenyan youth and fostering sustainable economic development through the digital economy. By leveraging our expertise, resources, and strategic partnerships, Qhala is at the forefront of driving positive change and unlocking the immense potential of Nakuru County and the broader Rift Valley region. As the initiative continues to expand and evolve, it is positioned to catalyze lasting impact, paving the way for a brighter and more prosperous future for generations to come.

Learn more about Digital SiliconRift and Future of Work Lab

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