In the heart of Meru County, a quiet digital revolution is underway after a team of professionals dubbed Imenti Development Forum (IDF) vowed to transform villages into a thriving technology hub to unlock digital opportunities.
Led by patron Mugambi Imanyara, IDF has spearheaded the establishment of state-of-the-art ICT Centres in Imenti region bridging the gap between rural life and urban digital world.
“We started this initiative with the focus of transforming the community where digital services are unavailable. We connect the people especially the youths in the rural areas with the internet and unlock the opportunities which come with the digital world ,” said Imanyara .
Speaking at Kathiranga and Ithimbari in Imenti central and south respectively where they launched two digital hubs, Imanyara emphasized that the center is not just about browsing but a launchpad for education, employment, and farmers empowerment.
Muthaura Njogu, the Principal assistant communication officer in the office of the Deputy President, challenged the youths to take advantage of the ICT hubs saying it a doorway to global job opportunities and digital literacy.
“Our aim is to help our community to connect with the other world. Not everybody is able to access the digital opportunities. So we want even the most disadvantaged child to benefit and access technology. That our dream”, said muthaura.
Businessman Muriuki Kindigo, a member also called on farmers to utilize the opportunity claiming it’s a source of knowledge on modern agricultural practices.
He also advised the youths to shun from toxic sites and to only focus on learning skills which are useful to sharpen their knowledge.
The team stressed the importance of computer literacy in today’s world emphasising that computer is no longer a luxury but a necessity.
Meru County Sport CEC Elias Murega lauded the team for taking bold steps to empower its youth and stepping out to tackle rising social challenges.
Murega said the county government will partner with Imenti Development Forum in using ICT to uplift communities.
He at the same time urged the youths to embrace the opportunities for self-empowerment, including accessing financial support through platforms like the Nyota App.
Murega further encouraged youth to take charge of their future by acquiring new skills and seeking economic independence.
Highlighting the pressing issues in the region, Murega revealed that Meru County is currently leading in cases of crime, gender-based violence, teenage pregnancy, and cancer .
However he noted governor Isaac Mutuma’s government is working on urgent and innovative interventions to mitigate the threatening challenges.
‘One of the county’s key strategies is promoting sports as a tool to engage youth, reduce idleness, and combat drug and substance abuse. We support sports as a platform to foster discipline and create new opportunities to the young generation,” said Murega.
