Youth Future Lab on July 25, 2023, in partnership with Rafiki wa Maendeleo Trust, launched an ICT Hub at the Rarieda Training and Resource Centre in Siaya County. The event was held during the centre’s Annual General Meeting and marked a transformative step toward promoting digital inclusion and empowering local communities through access to technology.
The event drew a broad and diverse audience, including students, parents, local chiefs, assistant chiefs, and representatives from neighboring institutions like Bondo Technical Training Institute and Rarieda Training Institute. Key partners such as KCB Bank, NCBA, and other development stakeholders were present, reflecting a strong spirit of collaboration and shared commitment to youth development and digital access.
At the heart of the ICT Hub launch was the introduction of the ASTER multiseat software—a cost-effective solution that allows multiple users to access independent computer terminals from a single CPU. Youth Future Lab provided the base unit, while the Rarieda Training and Resource Centre contributed the required peripherals including monitors, keyboards, and mice.
This configuration enables up to eight users to work simultaneously from one machine, making it highly affordable, energy-efficient, and scalable—particularly suitable for schools, training centers, and community-based learning spaces.
Joseph Wambua, Youth Media Manager at Youth Future Lab, gave a live demonstration of the ASTER multiseat system. He showcased how the setup functions, emphasizing its economic benefits, ease of use, and suitability for digital learning in rural areas. The demonstration sparked keen interest from learners, educators, and community members, reinforcing the importance of practical exposure to new technologies.
In addition to hardware, the hub connects users to Kutambua.com, Youth Future Lab’s e-learning platform. This digital space offers learners access to a variety of relevant courses, including:
This platform empowers young people by offering skills that align with job market demands, thus enabling them to pursue education and professional growth from within their own community.
A notable highlight of the event was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Youth Future Lab and Rafiki wa Maendeleo Trust.
The MoU signifies a strategic, long-term partnership focused on expanding digital access, enhancing community training, and fostering sustainable development through technology.
To conclude the launch, attendees participated in a tree-planting ceremony. This act served as both a symbolic gesture of growth and a commitment to environmental stewardship, aligning the ICT initiative with broader sustainability values and giving the event a deeper communal significance.
With the success of the Rarieda ICT Hub, Youth Future Lab is preparing to replicate this model in other parts of Kenya. Plans are already underway for a new hub in Ugweri, Embu County, as part of a broader strategy to scale up digital literacy and skills development nationwide.
The launch of the ICT Hub at Rarieda is more than a technological milestone—it is a model for inclusive, community-based digital empowerment. Through partnerships, innovative technology, and accessible learning platforms, Youth Future Lab and Rafiki wa Maendeleo Trust are helping to bridge the digital divide and provide young people with tools to build a better future.
