The induction of graduates admitted in the third cohort of the Presidential Digital Talent Program (PDTP) has just ended at the Kenya School of Government in Lower Kabete. 

The program which is an internship initiative that seeks to develop the ICT talent pool in Kenya convened 450 ICT graduates for a training opportunity at the School.The government of Kenya has stepped up the quest to realize sustainable development in the country and appreciates that ICT is an indispensable ingredient for their realization, hence the establishment of a pool of ICT experts.

Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Information Communication and Technology, Mr Jerome Ochieng, while speaking to the interns (pictured) in the course of their induction stated that by investing in the Digitalent Program, the Government is keen on the sustainability of implementing its digital strategy to facilitate online application and payments of key services, which has already kicked off.
“His Excellency President Uhuru Kenyatta is candid that the Four goals must be achieved in the set timelines. Indeed on occasions, he has warned the implementers of the projects to brace for the tough task ahead promising that it is not going to be a smooth ride” Mr. Ochieng noted.

Consequently, the government has launched many initiatives targeting the youth in order to realize her agenda. The PDTP, which is midwifed at the Information Communication Technology Authority (ICTA) which is the implementing agency, is one of the initiatives. The government is leveraging on ICT to enhance service delivery to its citizens. The programme has also enhanced employability of the youth who have received skills transfer through the training. This will also go a long way on closing the gaps in innovation, job experience, training and certification which employers always look for in fresh graduates.

Mr. Ochieng said that the Ministry is designated to continue enhancing knowledge and skills among the youth to create a crop of individuals who will steer development in the country. He challenged the participants to focus on enabling the government to improve the lives of the citizens. “Government service delivery has gone digital. This is therefore an opportunity for you to understand government operations. I have no doubt that technological platforms will make realization of the government development agenda more seamlessly,” he said.
The acting Information Communication Technology Authority Chief Executive Officer, Mr. John Sergon, informed the meeting that through mentorship programmes, the government envisions to nurture a valuable and efficient crop of individuals who will help in improving the lives of citizens. “You must demonstrate how you benefitted from this program. You must showcase your ability to offer services with distinction,” Mr. Sergon told the interns.

The KSG Director General, Dr. Ludeki Chweya, acknowledged the ICT Authority for partnering with the School to offer the Program. The DG added that the Digitalent initiative is crucial as it uplifts the wellbeing of youth in the country. He was quick to remind the program beneficiaries to seize the opportunity and shun issues that could undermine their success. His words of encouragement: “Take full advantage of being youthful today and remember to take care of your health too. Without good health we cannot achieve our Big Four agenda. Therefore, avoid drugs and stay away from what might undermine your youthfulness.”
Selection of trainees into the program is a rigorous and competitive process. Currently, the ICT Authority targets unemployed degree holders who graduated within the last two years with either 1st or 2nd class upper in ICT related courses.