What is Ajira digital programme?
It is a government initiative driven by the Ministry of ICT, Innovation and Youth Affairs to empower young Kenyans to access digital and digitally-enabled job opportunities.
And what are the activities of Ajira?
Ajira conducts awareness about digital work through free trainings, mentorship, and providing access to infrastructure such as free Internet and laptops at the Ajira Centres. The programme seeks to position Kenya as a choice-labour destination for multinational companies, as well as encourage local companies and the public sector to create digital work. Digitisation of both government and private sector projects has already created significant viable micro-work for digital workers.
Is academic writing part of the training?
Ajira discourages academic writing as it is un-ethical and negatively impacts the job market where employers distrust qualifications of graduating youth. The programme, therefore, shows the youth alternatives such as how to participate in ethical digital work from universities and content writing for global clients.
How do I join the programme?
Create an account on AJIRA and register into one of the trainings. It’s absolutely free.
Requirements to train?
All Ajira activities are free to all Kenyans. All you need to do is create an account on the Ajira portal, have access to the Internet and a computer. If you don’t have Internet or a computer, you can visit the over 300 Ajira Youth Empowerment Centres countrywide that are fully equipped.
Am I given a job after training?
Not exactly. Instead of giving you the fish, Ajira teaches you how to fish and points you to the direction of the ocean. In other words, Ajira shows you where the jobs are and trains you on how to apply for them.
Anything else?
Yes. The main objectives of Ajira are: to raise the profile of digital work; promote a mentorship and collaborative learning approach to finding digital work; provide Kenyans with access to digital work, and finally, promote Kenya as a destination for digital workers.
Any gains so far?
More than 72,000 youth have been trained, sensitised and have accessed learning opportunities from the programme. Overall, as per a household survey carried out in March of 2020, some 677,961 Kenyans are working on digital and digitally-enabled jobs.
The programme has also established partnerships with over 20 job linkage platforms and is currently working with the MasterCard Foundation, eMobilis and KEPSA to scale and implement the programme activities countrywide.
What skills qualify me to start earning with digital work?
To start working online, you only need basic computer skills, Internet connection and a desktop or laptop computer.
Can I get State-sponsored free Wi-Fi?
There are 300+ Ajira Youth Empowerment Centres (AYECS) countrywide. You can view their details including those already with Internet connection on the Ajira website under the ‘Resources’ tab.
How will I get paid?
As a digital worker you can get paid through a number of channels which include; MPESA, Direct deposits, Skrill, PayPal and Payoneer. You can get more information from the website.
Should I pay anyone for an account?
No! Neither should you pay to get a job. Trusted digital work platforms are free to join. Visit Ajira’s ‘Find Work’ page to get started with some digital job linkage platforms.
Are online courses helpful?
Yes. Online courses deepen your skill. These can be videos, webinars or eLearning courses. Take several tests or recognised certification to strengthen your digital work profile and demonstrate your ability to potential clients. Check out Ajira’s ‘Certification Resources’ page for some links to free certification, and sign up to Ajira partners’ courses which include Cisco, IBM, Huawei and HP.
And connecting with others?
Very important too. Ajira is setting up Ajira Clubs in every University, TVET and Polytechnic. The clubs will also be rolled out at Ajira Centres and form an opportunity for youth to be part of a community of workers, where they can network and drive innovation. You can also find a community or even mentors on social media.
I guess starting should be small?
Absolutely. For your first few jobs, take small, easy to complete tasks and build up to more complex work. This will allow you to build a good reputation online. Be patient, grow your digital work career with purpose and direction.
In summary…
Programme initiatives are anchored on four strategic pillars designed to address the key challenges that hinder the youth from benefiting from digital and digitally-enabled job opportunities:
- Access to dignified work – Catalyse the demand side locally, regionally and internationally
- Education and skills – Opportunities to gain useful work-readiness skills and mentorship for the dynamic and always changing ecosystem at no cost
- Access to infrastructure – Empowerment through regulatory, infrastructure and financial support. Free access to Innovation Hubs, Studio Mashinani and Y254 TV Channel
- Awareness – Building trust and confidence