Kikuyu elders take computer training course, vow to stop using cyber cafes

Kikuyu council of elders popularly known as Kiama Kia Ma have embarked on a project to train the elders on how to work and operate computers to help them do business and transact online, make applications online and use social media.

Speaking at the Kiambu Institute of Technology (KIST) where the elders enrolled for a five-week course, the elders said they have decided to learn by themselves because they do not trust the youths in cyber cafes and have heard about cybercrimes and stories of parents being conned through online transactions.

One of the elders, Peter Murigi Wanjirwa, said they decided to learn computer skills because they have witnessed the challenges their colleagues go through while selling their property online.

“We have seen many men using ICT to search for farms which we hear is now being done online and many of them have faced problems after submitting their details in cyber cafes and some end up losing their possessions,” said Mr Wanjirwa.

Another elder aged 74 said he chose to learn computer skills because he felt embarrassed having to tell all his information to youths at cyber cafes.

“Although I have never been deceived, at times you are not so sure whether they’ve processed the exact number of copies you needed or they kept a personal document for themselves,” said the elder.

The class consists of 30 students all of whom are Kikuyu elders who have undergone all the rituals.

They are now calling on other elders in every county to take the classes.

Edited by Erick Kombo