Uasin Gishu County Secretary, Mr. Philip Meli, on Friday afternoon officiated the launch of the TechLabs Mashinani Caravan on behalf of Governor Dr. Jonathan Bii.

The event took place at the EldoHub offices in Eldoret and marked a significant step toward promoting digital innovation and youth empowerment in the region.

Speaking during the launch, Mr. Meli encouraged young people to seize opportunities in the tech space, describing TechLabs Mashinani as a forward-looking initiative with the power to transform lives.

“TechLabs Mashinani is the future. I urge our youth to take advantage of this initiative and become part of the new generation of wealth creators in the technology industry,” he said.

He expressed concern that many young people today are mainly consumers of technology rather than creators.
“Our youth are using mobile phones from multinational tech companies, consuming data from major operators, and spending hours on apps like TikTok—which profit from their activity. Some even use social media to insult leaders, making money for the platforms instead of themselves. It’s time we flipped that script,” he added.

Mr. Meli emphasized that the county government is taking concrete steps to bridge the digital divide, especially in rural areas.

“Through the Governor’s Stima Mashinani program, we’re extending electricity to rural areas and building ICT hubs in every ward. This will give young people the internet access they need to learn, innovate, and thrive,” he explained.

Highlighting the importance of digital skills, Mr. Meli noted how technology is shaping every profession today—from aviation to medicine and architecture.

“Technology is now part of every career. Pilots use it in the cockpit, surgeons rely on it for procedures, and architects design buildings with it. Our youth must be equipped to compete in this digital age,” he stated.

The event also showcased EldoHub’s mobile tech lab, a specially equipped truck that will deliver digital training and resources to schools in remote areas across Uasin Gishu County—ensuring no learner is left behind.

Also present at the launch was the Chief Officer for ICT from Elgeyo Marakwet County, along with other invited guests and tech stakeholders.