President William Ruto on Saturday, December 9, presented certificates to graduates of the 100 million learners’ program at the Kenyatta International Convention Center – KICC in Nairobi.
According to Digital Strategist Dennis Itumbi, the certificates were a culmination of the scholarships announced in 2022 for attendees of the Jamhuri Day celebrations.
While introducing the graduates, Itumbi said that many people had doubted the existence of the programs since the government announced them in December 2022.
In his introduction, the Digital strategist and State House aide said that the process of applying for the scholarships entailed scanning barcodes provided to attendees at the national celebrations.
“We promised that we’d participate in the 100 million learners’ program,” Itumbi said.
“Many said that we lied to them and that it was a ghost program. We had barcodes, all you needed to do was to scan the codes and win.”
Nina Mathiu, one of the persons presented as graduates of the program, expressed her gratitude to the government for the opportunity to horn her skills.
In her speech, Mathiu said the program helped to expand her skillset and explore how professionals in other parts of the world work.
She narrated having heard about the scholarship from a recommendation by her sister and even promised to pursue more courses in the future.
“I went online and joined. It has been extremely helpful,’ the graduate said.
“It has helped me to upskill. The case studies were very helpful. I really just want to thank you for the opportunity.”
The 100 million Learners is an online learning program that aims to offer online and global education to learners drawn from across the world at the Thunderbird School of Global Management (Thunderbird)and the Arizona State University (ASU).
On his part, President Ruto revisited his speech during the 2022 Jamhuri Day stating that some people doubted the reality of his promise.
Ruto urges Kenyans to grab opportunity
However, he said, the graduates presented with certificates were proof that the courses were genuine.
He further encouraged more people to join the course and continue learning through the available online resources.
Also Read: UK Announces Fully Paid Scholarships with Monthly Stipend: How to Apply
“I remember making the announcement on Jamhuri Day last year and it did not look real then but today we have evidence that it is real,” Ruto said.
“Life is journey in learning, all of us keep learning. The chance is still open, and the address is the same get online and improve our careers.”
Also Read: Govt Sets Dress Code for All Kenyans Ahead of Festive Season
The President was speaking during his tour of the KICC during the Youth Connekt Africa Summit.
Also in attendance were Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Sports and Youth Affairs Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba.
Donned in their colorful clothes different from their customary suits, the leaders walked around the venue to interact with various innovators and products presented by youth.
On his part, Ababu Namwamba encouraged the youth to explore learning opportunities including the Google Hustler academy.
