Young Mother Graduates With Newborn as Huawei DigiTruck Programme Transforms Lives in Lamu
Adams Makau, a trainer from Computers for Schools Kenya, one of the DigiTruck partners facilitates a session during the Lamu DigiTruck program.
More than 140 youths graduated from the Huawei DigiTruck Programme in Lamu County, with inspiring stories of resilience, determination, and inclusion taking center stage during the ceremony held at the Mokowe Kenya Maritime Authority Command Centre.
Among the graduates was Rose Waithera, a young mother who joined the five-week digital skills training programme while expectant. Despite giving birth during the training period, she returned to complete the sessions and proudly received her certificate while carrying her newborn baby.
Rose described the programme as a life-changing opportunity that restored her hope and confidence for the future.
“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 noted that commuting daily from Manga to Mokowe using two boats was a sacrifice worth making because the programme had opened new opportunities for her future.
Also recognised during the graduation was Simon Murimi, a student living with disabilities affecting both his hands and legs, who attended all training sessions and successfully completed the programme.
Murimi said the programme had strengthened his belief that disability should never limit one’s ambitions.
“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,” he said.
The DigiTruck Programme, implemented through a partnership between Huawei, the County Government of Lamu and Computers for Schools Kenya, equips young people in areas such as Mokowe and Mpeketoni with practical ICT and digital literacy skills aimed at enhancing employability, entrepreneurship, and innovation.
The graduation ceremony was attended by Mbarak Bahjaj, Deputy Governor of Lamu County, alongside Aisha Shariff Omar, county officials, Huawei Kenya representatives, and ICT stakeholders.
Speaking during the event, Bahjaj praised the programme for helping bridge the digital divide and equipping young people with skills needed in the modern technology-driven 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.
The Huawei DigiTruck, a solar-powered mobile digital classroom, continues to expand access to digital learning in remote communities across Kenya. Lamu becomes the 43rd county to benefit from the initiative, which has trained nearly 11,000 youths nationwide since its launch in 2019. Recent deployments have also been carried out in Wajir and Garissa counties.
Speaking at the ceremony, Khadija Mohammed, Public Affairs and Media Director at Huawei, encouraged graduates to apply their digital skills in creating income opportunities and driving innovation.
“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 Kenya’s digital transformation agenda through programmes that expand access to technology and opportunities for underserved communities.
The stories of Rose Waithera and Simon Murimi highlighted the broader impact of the DigiTruck initiative, demonstrating how digital inclusion can transform lives, create opportunities, and ensure no one is left behind.
