Kenya’s Refugee Digital Skill Initiative Fuels Economic Empowerment and Connectivity

Civil society organizations in Kenya are teaming up to empower refugees with vital digital skills, positioning them for success in today’s world.

A partnership between UK-based Na’amal and the International Labour Organization (ILO) is gearing displaced individuals towards thriving in the digital economy.

Dubbed the Workforce Readiness for the Digital Economy Programme, the initiative aims to equip 60 refugees across Garissa, Turkana, and Nairobi counties with skills that are highly sought-after in the evolving job landscape, including analytical thinking and creativity.

The program takes a comprehensive approach, blending skill training, internships, networking, and job placement to provide participants with a holistic learning journey.

This transformative initiative will provide life-changing opportunities for refugees and members of the host community, allowing them to thrive in the digital economy and build sustainable livelihoods.

Lorraine Charles, Founder and Executive Director of Na’amal

Charles underscored that skills acquisition, project-based internships, and job placements are the program’s main objectives.

Caroline Njuki, Chief Technical Advisor at ILO PROSPECTS Kenya, emphasized that the program showcases the efficacy of job intermediation services in connecting digitally skilled refugees and local youth with promising roles in the digital realm.

The PROSPECTS partnership, funded by the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs, involves the International Labour Organization (ILO), the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), and the World Bank.