Nairobi Man Launches Initiative to Give 10k Laptops, Tech Courses to Youth: “Free of Charge”
A Nairobi-based entrepreneur and aspiring leader has rolled out a bold community empowerment programme aimed at helping young people access digital tools and skills at no cost.
The initiative, led by business development expert Samuel Kagwe, seeks to distribute 10,000 laptops and offer free training in modern technology courses to thousands of youth.
The programme is designed to address two major challenges facing young people today: lack of access to higher education and rising graduate unemployment.
By focusing on practical digital skills, Kagwe hopes to open new doors for youth who feel locked out of traditional education systems or stuck with qualifications that no longer match the job market.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with TUKO.co.ke, Kagwe said technology offers the fastest and most practical solution to youth unemployment and long-term economic growth.
“Technology provides a quicker path to a trillion-dollar economy for our country compared to other options. More importantly, it gives our youth real and accessible opportunities to earn, innovate, and grow,” he said.
Addressing Gaps in Education and Employment
Drawing from his experience in business and startup development, Kagwe pointed out a serious mismatch in the current system.
Many young people are unable to join universities due to low grades or financial challenges, while others graduate only to discover that their degrees do not align with available jobs.
“For those who cannot access traditional higher education, structured digital skills training offers a clear path to gain marketable skills without unnecessary barriers,” Kagwe explained. “For graduates, these skills help strengthen what they already have, making them more competitive in today’s job market.”
What the Programme Offers
The initiative has two main components that work together to empower young people:
The first is the 10,000 Laptops Programme, which aims to provide young people under the age of 25 with laptops to support learning, work, and entrepreneurship.
Priority is given to registered voters from Dagoretti South Constituency, ensuring the programme has a strong community focus.
The second component is free digital and technology training, which is open to a wider audience. The courses cover high-demand fields such as coding, artificial intelligence (AI), data analysis, and graphic design.
According to the organisers, the courses are open to everyone, regardless of education level or background.
Why Technology Is at the Centre
Kagwe described the initiative as a long-term investment in both individuals and the country’s economic future. He said the goal is to equip youth with skills that directly translate into income-generating opportunities.
“My aim is to open doors to jobs, freelancing, entrepreneurship, and even global work opportunities,” he said. “By unlocking the productivity of young people, we can build a workforce that supports a tech-driven and innovation-led economy.”
The programme is expected to help beneficiaries access remote and freelance jobs on international platforms, especially through coding and AI skills.
It also encourages entrepreneurship, allowing youth to start digital businesses such as graphic design studios, data services, or online tech solutions.
For graduates, the added tech skills are expected to improve employability by complementing academic qualifications with hands-on, practical knowledge that employers now demand.
How to Apply
Interested youth can apply for the laptops through an online platform provided by the programme. The same platform also hosts the free digital courses, which are available “free of charge” to all eligible participants.
If successfully rolled out, the initiative could become a powerful example of how community-led investment in digital skills and tools can directly fight unemployment and boost local economic growth.
Related News: Ruto Disburses Millions to Youth Entrepreneurs
In other developments, President William Ruto recently oversaw the release of KSh 245 million to young people under the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) programme.
A total of 9,847 youth from South Rift counties benefited from the first phase of the World Bank–funded initiative. Each beneficiary received KSh 22,000 through Pochi La Biashara accounts to support youth-owned businesses.
The funds were distributed at the ASK Showground in Nakuru on January 9, 2026, benefiting youth from Nakuru, Kericho, Narok, Bomet, and Baringo counties.
Beneficiaries will also undergo two months of mentorship and business development training before receiving the second instalment of the KSh 50,000 start-up package.
President Ruto emphasized that the NYOTA funds are grants, not loans, and are part of a wider government effort to help young entrepreneurs start and grow sustainable businesses across the country.
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