YOUTH AND ICT

Youth is the period between childhood and adult age.

A youth is a person between the age of 18 and 35 years according to the constitution of Kenya.

ICT, (information and communications technology - or technologies) is an umbrella term that includes any communication device or application, encompassing: radio, television, cellular phones, computer and network hardware and software, satellite systems and so on, as well as the various services and applications.

Education is a key pillar to fostering youth employment. Considering the large youth population, youth empowerment remains a critical element of sustainable development and should be a top priority on every government agenda. ICT represents an opportunity for governments to enable socioeconomic development. ICT   can help improve education, prepare the youth with the skill sets to find employment in a knowledge based economy and provide career opportunities in the ICT sector itself.

ICT should be considered an important tool in creating employment opportunities for youth .But ICT expertise itself is typically not sufficient to ensure long-term satisfactory performance in the work place. ICT education for youth should be accompanied by life skills education including competences such as making informed decisions, solving problems, thinking creatively and critically, communicating effectively, and building interpersonal relationships. Compared with older people youth face particular entrepreneurship and employment challenges, as they are more likely to have more limited business networks and contacts.

Equipping youth with ICT skills provides them with higher chances of acquiring employment. This will lead to the development of the nation’s economy, a healthier youth and a healthier nation.