Lodwar, February, 19th, 2026 (Public Communications and Media Relations)

Community Digital Champions (CDCs) are advancing their AI (Artificial Intelligence) skills following an induction meeting designed to strengthen digital entrepreneurship and deepen community impact across the county.

Held under the Enhancing Digital Access and Community Resilience (EDACR) programme, supported by the UK’s Digital Access Programme (DAP) in partnership with KICTANet, Kilimo Hakika, LOKADO and Otermans Institute, the session marked a major step toward equipping CDCs with advanced digital and AI skills to become next-generation entrepreneurs.

While opening the session, County Director of TVET Stephen Eregae, called for stronger collaboration to widen digital access across communities.

He noted that 1,680 CDCs have completed foundational digital training, underscoring both the progress made and the urgent need for renewed commitment and stronger on boarding strategies to transition more participants into AI training.

“This initiative is not just about digital skills, it is about preparing a generation that can compete, innovate, and solve real community problems using technology,” he said.

He further urged CDCs to confront implementation challenges head-on and embrace the programme as a transformative opportunity for themselves and the communities they serve.

Emmy Mugasia of Kilimo Hakika emphasized the importance of mentorship and peer-to-peer on boarding among CDCs.

She noted that completing the training equips participants with market-ready skills and positions them as digital ambassadors capable of mentoring other young people.

“When you complete the programme, you open avenues for others to access digital opportunities and thrive in the modern economy.” Mugasia said.

She also encouraged more women to enroll and complete the programme, highlighting that successful completion and referrals attracts performance-based bonus payments as an added incentive.

LOKADO CEO Augustine Kai and Programmes Lead Dennis Lokitare outlined their role in spearheading digital access across the county through community mobilization, quality assurance, and effective facilitation.

Upon completing AI literacy training, CDCs will expand their skills to unlock opportunities in the gig economy while exploring pathways in digital agriculture, IT support, and the creative economy.

The programme envisions a digitally empowered county where CDCs lead innovation, strengthen community resilience, and drive inclusive economic growth.

County Deputy Director TVET Jeremy Loyapan, his ICT Counterpart Richard Musungu and Ambrozius Lokolel ( data analyst) LOKADO also attended the meeting.