From Job Loss to Digital Opportunity: How Skills Are Transforming Lives
A single moment of job loss became the turning point that led to new opportunities through digital skills and entrepreneurship.
When Ednah, a mother of three from Kilifi County, lost her job unexpectedly, uncertainty quickly set in. Questions about how to provide for her family became overwhelming, pushing her to turn to poultry farming as a means of survival. While the venture helped sustain her, balancing farm work, household responsibilities, and caregiving proved challenging.
Everything changed when she joined the Future Ni Digital programme, implemented by Stanbic in partnership with Microsoft and American Tower Corporation. What began as curiosity soon became a turning point. By learning to use everyday digital tools such as Google Docs, Canva, and WhatsApp for Business, Ednah unlocked new ways to market her poultry business, connect with customers, and improve her productivity. These skills not only strengthened her income streams but also gave her renewed confidence and control over her future.
The programme’s impact extends beyond individual transformation. Instructors like Nancy Gathigia have experienced the power of the train-the-trainer model at Vocational Training Centres in Mtongwe, Kisauni, and Maunguja. Trainers acquire practical digital skills and pass them on to students, creating a ripple effect that equips entire communities with tools to thrive in a digital economy.