Hundreds of traders at Gakira Market in Kangema were greatly elated on Wednesday by the launch of a free WiFi hotspot at their market. Speaking during the launch, area Member of Parliament Peter Kihungi observed that the move is aimed at fulfilling the government’s agenda of creating a digital highway to continually boost online businesses and online jobs. ‘The free WiFi will enable the traders in this market to leverage and grow their businesses through e-commerce as well as seize the endless opportunities in the online jobs market,’ he said. The MP noted that digitalization is an enabler to universal access to information, which is power, and the WiFi will not only benefit the traders but also their children who are in school, who will also come and benefit from having access to the internet and subsequently to technology and innovation. At the same time, the Kangema Youth Empowerment Centre was also connected with free Wi-Fi to help support the youth with online jobs and training through the jitume programme. ‘By teaching them the skills, they will be able to access digital jobs, which are unlimited, and this is a sure way of curbing other menaces facing us like drugs and substance abuse, alcohol abuse, and lawlessness,’ he said. One of the traders, Nelius Waithera, noted that the free Wi-Fi could not have come at a better time, as everything is now digital. ‘We will be able to connect with our customers’ online time and distance, notwithstanding, and this will greatly boost our businesses and livelihoods.’ noted Waithera ‘We will also be able to join and follow different social media sites and have an experience of the happenings across the country and globally,’ she said, beaming with joy. The free WiFi hotspot will be able to serve a radius of 600 within the market.
Source: Kenya News Agency