Abstract

The digital literacy gap among the youth is a challenge in the Thika region, Kenya. This is as a result of young people dropping out of school and a lack of information and communication technology (ICT) skills, which are important for individual growth and accessing government services. Currently, technology plays an important role in every aspect of our lives. Research shows that libraries, and especially public libraries, are critical in the achievement of national, regional and international development goals in any country. The Thika library identified the different government agencies such as the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Youth and ICT and other, nongovernmental organizations, such as the Digital Opportunity Trust, among others as key partners to achieve the goal. The library now offers the basic packages of computer training and provides access to the internet and ICT devices at no cost. The training programme is designed to take place three days a week for a period of three months, for three sessions a year. Since its inception, a total of 720 (317 male and 403 female) had graduated from the programme as at March 2020. As a result of the project, new programmes have been implemented, more partners started supporting the initiative, library awareness has increased and young people have gained job opportunities. Though the programme targeted young people without ICT skills and school dropouts, older people and professionals continue to enrol. Training all other librarians working in public libraries on how to start such programmes in their respective regions, the recognition of Kenya National Library Services, Thika by the National Examining body and the transformation of the library into a community empowerment centre of choice are the next envisioned steps.

Keywords:Digital literacy, computer packages, Thika Public Library, Kenya National Library Service.

Introduction

Thika is a metropolitan industrial town and a major commercial hub in Kiambu County, Kenya. It is situated in Central Kenya, 42 kilometres northeast of the capital city Nairobi. Thika town is divided into two sub-counties: Thika East and Thika West. Thika is regarded as the Birmingham of Kenya, due to the many industries, from small to multinational. Key among them are Bidco Africa and Del Monte Pineapples, one of the world's producers, marketers and distributors of fresh and fresh-cut fruit and vegetables.