A youth digital skills initiative supported by the University of Eldoret through the Transforming African Agricultural Universities to Meaningfully Contribute to Africa's Growth and Development (TAGDev 2.0) Programme has grown into a transformative platform for digital empowerment and entrepreneurship in Baringo County.
In May 2026, Koibatek Agricultural Training Centre (KATC) received support from the University of Eldoret under the TAGDev 2.0 Programme to strengthen youth skills development. The support facilitated the rollout of a free five-day Digital Marketing training programme aimed at equipping young people with practical digital competencies and enabling them to leverage smartphones as tools for entrepreneurship, business growth, and income generation.
The initiative attracted an enthusiastic response from the youth. The first cohort, conducted from 7–10 July 2026, trained 30 participants, while a further 26 youth completed the second cohort held from 13–17 July 2026. Participants gained practical skills in digital branding, graphic design, content creation, social media marketing, and the establishment of Facebook market place and WhatsApp business platforms to promote their enterprises and connect with wider markets.
Beyond the numbers, the programme is already demonstrating its impact through inspiring stories of youth applying newly acquired skills to improve their livelihoods and support their communities.
One such beneficiary is Brian, who, after completing the first cohort, immediately enrolled in the second to deepen his digital marketing skills. Motivated by a desire to grow his family's herbal medicine enterprise managed by his grandmother, Brian designed professional product labels, developed promotional materials, and began creating an online presence through a Facebook Business Page to expand the business's market reach. His experience illustrates how access to relevant skills can empower young people to create value, preserve family enterprises, and embrace entrepreneurship.
The success of the initiative quickly attracted the attention of strategic partners, demonstrating the power of collaboration in expanding opportunities for youth. Through the Government of Kenya's Jitume Programme, Koibatek Agricultural Training Centre received 30 modern computers valued at KSh 3.54 million, with an additional 20 computers committed to further strengthen the facility's digital infrastructure.
This milestone culminated in the official launch of the Koibatek ATC Jitume Digital Hub on 18 July 2026 by Hon. Geoffrey Ruku, Cabinet Secretary for Public Service, Human Capital Development and Special Programmes. The establishment of the hub marks a significant step towards expanding access to digital skills, innovation, and entrepreneurship opportunities for young people across Baringo County and beyond.
While the initial objective was to train 100 youth, the programme has evolved into a sustainable platform capable of reaching thousands more. The Jitume Digital Hub now provides an enabling environment where young people can acquire market-relevant digital competencies, develop innovative business ideas, access modern ICT infrastructure, and participate meaningfully in Kenya's growing digital economy.
The story of Koibatek Agricultural Training Centre demonstrates that when universities, government, development partners, and communities work together, opportunities multiply. By investing in young people's skills and potential, they become innovators, entrepreneurs, and change makers capable of driving sustainable development within their communities.
What began as a digital marketing training programme has evolved into a catalyst for youth empowerment, digital innovation, and inclusive socio-economic transformation reflecting the shared vision of the University of Eldoret TAGDev 2.0 Programme to nurture the next generation of leaders who will contribute meaningfully to Africa's growth and development.
