Integrating information communication technologies Training in youth initiatives and its enhancement of their Employment opportunities: A case study of Nairobits trust youth Organization programme

Abstract

The concept of youth is intrinsically linked with idea of transition from childhood to adulthood, a phase of life in which the individual needs protection, shelter and guidance to one of self- determination, maturity, independence, responsibility and accountability or decision making. The situation of the youths worldwide is changing as a result of the dynamic and ever changing cultures. The changing circumstances mean that there is need for greater attention for the concerns of the youth. Lack of employment opportunities represents one of the major and most pressing problems of the youth. In many cities aspect of unemployment leads to idealness where the youth converge in a certain area in the community to converse, drink and even smoke. Some of them develop survival tactics in indulging in criminal activities so as to survive. This was a descriptive study and the main objective of this study was to assess how adoption of ICT integration is enhancing employment opportunities and promoting development of youth in the low income settlements where NairoBits centers are situated. Particularly, the study sought to identify the level of adoption of ICT components by sampled youth and to investigate the benefits obtained by youth ICT adopters from the training. The study was quantitative and relied on primary and secondary data to source for information. Data was gathered through questionnaire and observation guide. Sampling was done using both probability and non-probability sampling. The study sampled 75 youth from three NairoBits centers namely; Kibera, Kayole and Mathare complemented by 10 Key Informants. The study findings pointed to a helpful relationship which resulted in varied benefits on individual respondent of the sampled NairoBits Group. Apart from adopting and embracing ICT aspects, majority of the youth were employed in formal employment and some have ventured in self-employment. Through these, the youth have been able to improve their living standard and even improve the community in which they come from in terms of security, employment opportunities. Empowered youth in a society enhance the realization of the required development. The study recommends that the government there should improve the youth initiatives by encouraging them to embrace ICT as a way of finding solutions for unemployment. The government could do this by reducing prices of ICT aspects so as to be affordable to the youth especially in the informal settlements, regular supervision by the government on the curriculum taught in different youth initiatives are up to standard with the current market needs and providing financial loans to the youths to improve their socio-economic development.