Maseno University: Owalo launches 100 capacity digital laboratory

By Peter Ochieng

Cabinet Secretary (CS) for ICT and Digital Economy Eliud Owalo on Wednesday launched a digital laboratory at Maseno University.

The 100 computer capacity lab was put in place by Konza Technopolis, through the ICT Ministry, under the Jitume Digital initiative.

Addressing students at the lab, Owalo urged them to put it in good use.

"The ball is now in your court. If you effectively use this lab and we see results, adding more computers will definitely not be a problem," said Owalo.

He said the government is setting up digital facilities in schools, technical and vocational training centres and universities across the country, to empower students through digital skills.

Once empowered, the CS said the government will link the learners with global technological companies for job opportunities.

"You will be seated here while working for a company in the US and you get paid in dollars."

John Paul Okwiri, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Konza Technopolis echoed the CS's statement.

He said 8 million jobs are available online globally, adding that Kenyan youth have what it takes to access the opportunities and earn handsomely.

"About 8 million jobs are available online globally every year. Most of this jobs go to India and Philippines. They are not better than us because we are well trained," he said.

In addition, the CS stated that soon the government will roll out digital identification cards, before following it up with unveiling of digital signatures.

He said 6, 000 government services are online, with the plan being having all of them online - through the E-Citizen platform by end of this year.

Maseno University Vice Chancellor (VC) Julius Omondi Nyabudi thanked the CS for the digital laboratory, urging him to provide more computers to the institution.

Maseno University offers all degree courses with Information Technology (IT).

Owalo early in the day launched a 50 capacity digital lab at Maseno School.

Later on, he undertook the same activity at St. Mary's School, Yala.