While the government promises digital superhighways, a private citizen is paving the road. Samuel Kagwe, a Nairobi-based entrepreneur, has launched an ambitious philanthropic program to distribute 10,000 laptops and provide free coding courses to the youth of Dagoretti South.

The initiative aims to bridge the "Digital Divide" that leaves thousands of bright but poor graduates locked out of the global gig economy. "A degree without a skill is just paper," Kagwe told TUKO.co.ke. "But a laptop and coding skills? That is a career."

The "Skills Mismatch" Solution

Kagwe’s program targets two groups: those who missed university entry grades and graduates with irrelevant degrees. By offering courses in AI, data analysis, and graphic design, he aims to bypass the stagnant local job market and connect youth directly to remote work opportunities.

• The Model: Unlike government projects often plagued by theft, this is a direct-to-beneficiary model. Applicants must be registered voters in the constituency and under 25. This clause has sparked whispers of political ambition, which Kagwe has not denied.
• The Tech Ecosystem: The initiative complements the nearby "Silicon Savannah" hubs on Ngong Road. By flooding the market with junior developers and designers, Kagwe hopes to attract more outsourcing contracts to Nairobi.

Philanthropy or Politics?

In Kenya, large-scale charity is rarely devoid of political calculation. Whether this is a launchpad for a parliamentary bid or genuine altruism, the impact is undeniable. For 10,000 young people, a free laptop is a lifeline in an economy that has stopped creating formal jobs.