Thousands of young digital content creators are set to be linked with direct job opportunities through the Twende Digital Project.

Twiva and the Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA) have partnered to unveil the Challenge Fund for Youth Employment (CFYE) to support the initiative.

The fund will also help SMEs adopt technology through intensive capacity building and technical assistance in using digital skills and platforms in Nairobi, Nakuru, Kisumu, and Mombasa.

Selected businesses will enjoy digitization services and tools for free for the next 12 months, including influencer marketing service credits, content creation credits, access to business digital coaches, and access to influencers or resellers to help resell the SMEs’ goods.

 Challenge Fund for Youth Employment Deputy Country Lead Paul Ngugi noted that the initiative has learned that it is very crucial to support the private sector, especially in measuring the impact of youth employment initiatives.

“This is why digitizing the SMEs will not only help expand these businesses but also ensure the creation of jobs.”

On his part, KEPSA Director of Youth and Jobs noted that minimal job opportunities have been a huge challenge for Kenya, with reports showing that over 2.97 million Kenyans are jobless. Out of these, 50 percent are between 18 and 29.

“Enterprises stand to have a great chance of unlocking the wealth of opportunities and building a global competitive advantage through adoption and prioritizing digitization.”

“As the benefits of digitization become clearer for businesses where they stand to benefit from access to wider markets, more efficient processes, increased productivity, better stock management, and reduced costs; hence the adoption of digitization cannot be ignored.