"Opportunities": Nandi's Jitume Centre takes shape, youth to gain digital skills

This story has significance for readers across Kenya and beyond.

- The Technopolis Development Authority inspected the ongoing construction of the Nandi County Jitume Centre of Excellence in Nandi Hills on 1 August 2026

- The facility will offer spaces for eCommerce, studios, learning centres and access to emerging technologies including AI, robotics and cybersecurity

- Nandi County already hosts 5 Jitume Digital Hubs, and the new centre forms part of a plan to establish one Centre of Excellence in every county

Didacus Malowa, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over three years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya.

The Technopolis Development Authority conducted an inspection tour of the construction site of the Nandi County Jitume Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Nandi Hills.

This comes as the national government advances its plan to build one such facility in every county across Kenya.

The inspection was led by Anthony Sang, Chief Manager for Construction Operations Management at the Technopolis Development Authority, who said the project reflects the Government's commitment to broadening digital access and skilling for young Kenyans.

What the Nandi Centre of Excellence will offer

Once complete, the facility will house collaborative workstations, eCommerce spaces, studios and dedicated learning centres, all supported by high-speed internet connectivity.

The centre is designed to build capacity in areas including artificial intelligence, robotics, software development, cloud computing, cybersecurity, data analytics and digital content creation.

Sang said the Centre of Excellence represents a long-term investment in Kenya's digital economy rather than simply another infrastructure project.

He explained that the facility is intended to equip young people with advanced digital skills, nurture innovation and support entrepreneurship, enabling them to convert their ideas into viable businesses.

According to Sang, the centre will help prepare Kenyan youth to compete in the global digital economy while creating employment opportunities and promoting inclusive economic development.

"The Digital Centre of Excellence is more than a physical facility; it is an investment in Kenya's digital future and human capital. Through this Centre, we are creating an environment where young digital entrepreneurs, and innovators can acquire globally competitive skills and transform ideas into sustainable businesses that create jobs and drive inclusive economic growth," he said.

Sang further said the Nandi Hills Centre of Excellence forms part of the government's wider strategy to expand digital opportunities across the country.

Nandi's existing digital infrastructure

He noted that the project reflects a commitment to ensuring that all Kenyans, regardless of where they live, can access the skills, infrastructure and support needed to take part in the growing digital economy.

According to Sang, increased investment in digital infrastructure, innovation and technology training will empower young people to build technology-based businesses, access digital employment opportunities and contribute to the country's long-term economic growth.

"The establishment of the Digital Centre of Excellence in Nandi Hills reflects the Government's unwavering commitment to ensuring that every Kenyan can participate meaningfully in the digital economy. By investing in digital infrastructure, digital skills and innovation ecosystems, we are creating opportunities for our young people to innovate, establish technology-driven enterprises and secure digital jobs thus contributing to Kenya's economic transformation," Sang added.

Nandi county currently hosts five Jitume Digital Hubs at Aldai Technical and Vocational College, Kaboi National Polytechnic, Tinderet TVC, Tinderet Integrated TVC and Ollessos Technical Institute.

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The new Centre of Excellence will sit alongside these hubs, creating a layered pathway from foundational digital literacy to advanced innovation and entrepreneurship.

Nationally, more than 330 Jitume Digital Hubs have been established since the programme launched in 2023.

In that period, close to 30,000 digital devices have been deployed to train more than 100,000 youths, with 91,428 gaining access to digital jobs.

Source: TUKO.co.ke

Reporting originally appeared via TUKO. Read the full source for additional context.