NAIROBI, Kenya, Mar 8 – A new artificial intelligence-powered business process outsourcing (BPO) centre has been launched in Bondo, marking the first time a community digital hub in Kenya is hosting a BPO facility aimed at creating digital jobs for youth.
The initiative was unveiled during the Siaya Digital Summit 2026 through a partnership between Huawei and the Konza Technopolis Development Authority.
The centre, based at the Siaya Community Digital Hub, uses AI-assisted contact centre software that allows trained youth to provide customer service support across multiple channels including messaging platforms, web platforms and phone services.
Twenty young people have already been trained to use the technology, enabling them to handle cases, generate responses with AI support, and manage customer interactions more efficiently. The BPO is expected to serve businesses and counties locally as well as international clients.
According to the partners, the hub is the first in Kenya’s digital hub network to integrate BPO services, with plans underway to replicate the model across other hubs nationwide.
Cloud Solutions Engineer at Huawei Ruth Mokaya said the initiative demonstrates how technology can unlock economic opportunities for young people.
“This initiative reflects the power of technology to transform communities. When young people are equipped with the right skills, they improve their own livelihoods while uplifting entire communities,” she said.
She added that the programme aligns with Huawei’s global #Tech4All initiative and supports the government’s digital inclusion agenda.
Speaking during the summit, Information, Communications and the Digital Economy Cabinet Secretary William Kabogo said the government is working to ensure digital opportunities reach young people across the country.
“The success of Kenya’s digital transformation will ultimately be measured by how widely opportunities are shared,” Kabogo said. “Talent exists everywhere, and our responsibility as government is to ensure young people have access to the infrastructure, skills and platforms needed to participate in the digital economy.”
Kabogo noted that the partnership between Huawei, Konza and the digital hubs programme demonstrates how technology can create employment while helping young people deliver services at globally competitive levels.
The summit also saw Huawei train 100 youth in digital skills including networking, cabling and ICT infrastructure management through the Huawei Certified ICT Associate (HCIA) programme.
These skills are expected to support Kenya’s Digital Superhighway project, which aims to expand the country’s fibre network to more than 100,000 kilometres.
Chief Executive Officer of the Konza Technopolis Development Authority, John Paul Okwiri, said digital hubs are critical in building the country’s technology ecosystem.
“Digital hubs such as this one play a critical role in nurturing innovation and providing young people with access to infrastructure, mentorship and collaborative spaces,” he said.
The Siaya Community Digital Hub is part of the government’s Jitume Digital Hubs Programme, which aims to establish hubs in all 1,450 wards across the country.
So far, 290 hubs have been set up nationwide, benefiting more than 400,000 young people by providing access to connectivity, training and digital work opportunities.
Officials say the hubs are expected to enable youth to explore opportunities in remote work, freelancing, digital content creation and BPO services.
Kabogo said Kenya’s digital transformation will depend on ensuring innovation and job creation spread beyond major cities.
“Kenya’s digital future will be built not only in our major cities but in counties across the country where young people are ready to innovate, create and lead,” he said.
