The government, through the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection, has welcomed Kenyans aged 18-35 to enrol for a free training programme dubbed 'Finya Computer Itoe Dollar'.

Through a poster shared on X, the ministry announced that the programme will teach free courses covering data entry, digital marketing, virtual assistance and Artificial Intelligence (AI) for graphic design.

The four-day training is set to start on March 4 to March 8, 2024 and will run from 8:00am to 5:00pm.

An applicant is required to be a Kenyan citizen with proficient computer skills and aged between 18 to 35.

"The objective of the programme is to equip young people with the requisite knowledge skills and attitudes for digital/online work to enable them access decent work and earn an income from the Gig & Freelancing Economy," said the ministry.

This lies on the backdrop of remarks made by President William Ruto on enhancing digital jobs in Kenya, which was met with ridicule from Kenyans.

"Huyu akijenga hio ICT hub, mimi nitahakikisha iko computer. Na nitahakikisha iko Internet. Na nimepanga ajira ya hawa vijana kufanya iyo kazi. Nyinyi vijana wa hapa kazi yenyu ni mbili... Ku appear huko kufundishwa, na kufinya computer uweke dollar mfukoni," he said in Bungoma County on February 2.

"Wewe utashindwa kufinya computer ndio upate pesa? Na wewe sasa ukishindwa kufinya computer nitakusaidia namna gani?" he asked.