Microsoft Corporation in conjunction with Homeboyz Foundation have launched an online portal dubbed TukoWorks a website that aims to provide Kenyan youth with free resources, training, career guidance services and entrepreneurial opportunities.

The move by Microsoft is to bridge the information gap for job seekers, aspiring entrepreneurs and school leavers by providing a network of accessible opportunities on various openings as well as necessary training on how to start a new enterprise.

"We hope that the TukoWorks portal will become a national authority on employ-ability and entrepreneurship that will bridge the gap for job seekers, aspiring entrepreneurs and the young people of Kenya. Our aim is to match the right skills to appropriate jobs, equip youth with the necessary training, tools and knowledge required to succeed in their desired job," said Microsoft  manager, Kunle Awosika.

Mr Awosika emphasized that job creation should be a collective role by individuals, governments and the private sector. Kenya is the second state after Nigeria to develop YouthWorks in sub-saharan Africa, a program that Microsoft corporation hopes to launch in 19 countries across Africa and Middle East.

The 2012 African Economic Outlook (AEO) report highlights the fast but unemployment growth pattern on the continent: 200 million young people aged between 15 and 24, representing 60 percent of the total population and 45 percent of the labour force.  This presents an enormous potential to transform Africa's developing economies into the lead.

Just over a year ago, Microsoft launched the 4Afrika Initiative focusing on the Youth and SMEs to accelerate African innovation by Africans for the continent and the world. The initiative brings, world-class skills and capacity building and affordable access to technology.

The initiatives will serve as a great accelerator for African competitiveness and empowering the youth to turn ideas into a reality. To check out information on the portal, users will be required to do a one-off sign up at no cost at www.tukoworks.co.kewhich can be accessed from computers, tablets and mobile phones.