Adams Makau, a trainer from Computers for Schools Kenya, one of the DigiTruck partners facilitates a session during the Lamu DigiTruck program.
By Jones Kimanzi
MOKOWE, Lamu, May 11, 2026 — Powerful stories of determination, resilience, and inclusion defined the graduation of more than 140 youths from the Huawei DigiTruck Programme in Lamu County, highlighting the life-changing impact of digital skills training in marginalized communities.
The graduation ceremony, held at the Mokowe Kenya Maritime Authority Command Centre, brought together county leaders, ICT stakeholders, and Huawei Kenya representatives to celebrate young people who completed the five-week digital literacy and ICT training programme.
Among the graduates was Rose Waithera, a young mother whose journey moved many during the ceremony. Rose enrolled in the programme while pregnant and remained committed to her studies despite the challenges she faced. During the training period, she delivered her baby but later returned to complete the course. She proudly received her certificate while carrying her newborn child, symbolizing courage, sacrifice, and hope for a better future.
Speaking during the graduation, Rose said the programme had given her confidence and renewed hope in life.
“Joining the Huawei DigiTruck programme gave me hope and confidence for my future. During the training period, I delivered my baby but returned to continue learning because I did not want to miss this opportunity. Graduating today while carrying my child is a proud moment for me and my family,” she said.
She added that travelling daily from her home in Manga to Mokowe, including taking two boats every day, was a sacrifice worth making because the programme had opened new opportunities for her future.
The event also celebrated Simon Murimi, a student living with disabilities affecting both his hands and legs. Despite the challenges, Simon attended all the training sessions and successfully completed the programme, inspiring fellow graduates and demonstrating the importance of inclusive access to digital education.
“This programme has shown me that disability is not inability. Despite the challenges I face, I attended every session because I believe these digital skills will shape my future. I am grateful to Huawei Kenya and the Lamu County Government for giving us equal opportunities to learn and grow,” said Simon.
The DigiTruck Programme is implemented through a partnership between Huawei Kenya, the Lamu County Government, and Computers for Schools Kenya. The initiative equips young people in areas such as Mokowe and Mpeketoni with practical ICT and digital literacy skills to improve employability, entrepreneurship, and innovation.
The ceremony was attended by Lamu Deputy Governor Dr. Mbarak Bahjaj alongside County Executive Committee Member for Climate Change, ICT, E-Government and Citizen Participation Hon. Aisha Shariff Omar, county officials, and ICT stakeholders.
Speaking during the event, Dr. Bahjaj praised the programme for helping bridge the digital divide and empowering young people with skills needed in the modern economy.
“Programs like the DigiTruck are critical in bridging the digital skills gap among young people. By equipping Lamu’s youth with practical digital knowledge and modern ICT competencies, this initiative is not only preparing them for today’s technology-driven world, but also opening up pathways to innovation, entrepreneurship, and meaningful participation in the digital economy,” he said.
He noted that the initiative was creating opportunities for local communities while promoting inclusive growth in the county.
The Huawei DigiTruck, a solar-powered mobile digital classroom, continues to expand access to technology and digital learning in remote parts of Kenya. Since its launch in 2019, the programme has trained nearly 11,000 youths across the country, with Lamu becoming the 43rd county to benefit from the initiative.
Recent deployments have also been conducted in Wajir and Garissa counties earlier this year as Huawei continues to scale up efforts to support Kenya’s digital transformation agenda.
Huawei Public Affairs and Media Director Khadija Mohammed commended the graduates for their determination and encouraged them to use their digital skills to create opportunities for themselves and their communities.
“Digital literacy and skilling are critical enablers for youth to actively participate in the digital and knowledge economy. Through opportunities such as online jobs, e-commerce, and digital entrepreneurship, young people can unlock new pathways to income generation and self-reliance,” she said.
She reaffirmed Huawei’s commitment to supporting underserved communities through technology and digital inclusion programmes.
“At Huawei, we believe that technology and digital literacy form the foundation of a thriving digital economy. By investing in programmes like DigiTruck and partnering with like-minded organisations, we aim to expand access to opportunity and support youth from historically underserved communities like Lamu to actively participate in Kenya’s digital future,” she added.
The inspiring journeys of Rose Waithera and Simon Murimi stood out as a reminder that digital transformation goes beyond technology by changing lives, creating opportunities, and ensuring no one is left behind.
