A new generation of tech-savvy youth is entering Kenya’s digital workforce following the graduation of 300 participants from a groundbreaking nationwide software development program launched by Power Learn Project Africa (PLP) in collaboration with Safaricom’s youth platform, Safaricom Hook.
The PLP x Safaricom Hook Tech program, launched in October 2024, is a fully-funded 16-week immersive training initiative that brought together youth from all 47 counties of Kenya.
The program aimed to democratize access to digital education, ensuring that young innovators from both rural and urban areas are included in the country’s digital transformation journey.
Graduates were equipped with industry-relevant skills in front-end and back-end software development, and participated in hackathons, mentorships, and project-based learning to prepare them for the future of work.
“This is more than a graduation, it’s a national investment paying off. We envision a future where every young African has equal access to digital skills, dignified livelihoods, and the ability to innovate from wherever they are,” said Mumbi Ndung’u, Executive Director of Power Learn Project Africa.
Kevin Kirwa, firsts runners up, John Bradil Mukwana, Winner, Monicah Wamuhu, second
runners up, of the Safaricom hook in partnership with power learn project Hackathon, and
Mumbi Ndungu, Executive Director, Power Learn Project, pose for a photo during the
Safaricom hook in partnership with power learn project graduation at the Michael Joseph
Center on 13th June 2025./COURTESY
This initiative is part of PLP’s 1MillionDevs4Africa campaign, a continent-wide effort to train one million software developers and connect them to employment, entrepreneurship, and upskilling opportunities.
Fawzia Ali-Kimanthi, Chief Consumer Business Officer at Safaricom PLC, emphasized Safaricom’s commitment to youth empowerment through digital inclusion.
“Through this partnership, we’re not just training coders, we’re nurturing thinkers, builders, and creators who will drive Kenya’s innovation agenda and solve global challenges,” said Fawzia.
To bridge the gap between skills and employment, PLP is calling on corporates, startups, government institutions, and development partners to tap into the PLP Talent Hub, a platform that links graduates to curated job opportunities, internships, freelance gigs, and entrepreneurial support.
“Africa doesn’t have a talent problem, it has a deployment problem,” added Mumbi Ndung’u. “Our youth are gaining the right skills, but they need real economic opportunities. We urge employers to actively recruit and integrate this pipeline of talent.”
Following the success of this first cohort, applications are now open for the next intake, scheduled for June 2025. Youth aged 18 to 35 with a passion for technology and digital transformation are encouraged to apply and become part of Africa’s rising digital workforce.
Application can be done through the Power Learn Project Africa website.
