KICTANet, in collaboration with the UK Government and partners, marked the successful culmination of the Strengthening Digital Communities (SDC) Project, which has empowered over 500,000 citizens in marginalized communities in Mandera and Busia with essential digital skills.
The hybrid event held in Nairobi brought together over 150 stakeholders from the government, the private sector, development organizations, civil society, and beneficiaries from the Mandera and Busia counties. The SDC project aimed to bridge the digital divide in these marginalized areas by providing digital skills and access to relevant digital services.
The SDC project, funded by the UK Government through the British High Commission in Nairobi, has achieved significant milestones:
- Trained over 8,000 Community Digital Champions (CDCs).
- Reached more than 400,000 citizens with foundational digital skills.
- Distributed 150 computers to Mandera County.
- Supported access to relevant digital services.
“This workshop is a testament to the transformative power of digital inclusion,” stated Dr. Grace Githaiga, CEO of KICTANet. “We are excited to share the project’s success and collaborate with our partners to ensure these gains are sustained and expanded, ultimately empowering more Kenyans to thrive in the digital age.”
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Hon. William Kabogo, Cabinet Secretary for the Ministry of Information, Communication, and the Digital Economy, addressed the workshop, stating, “This initiative has been a transformative force in bridging the digital divide, empowering communities, and fostering innovation across Kenya.”
He further emphasized the government’s commitment, pledging “to expand opportunities that prepare them for success in the digital age” and “strengthen partnerships with local and international stakeholders to ensure these programs are sustainable.”
Kabogo also highlighted the integration of over 22,000 services into the e-Citizen platform, noting that with “375,000 citizens accessing it daily, this initiative enhances awareness and accessibility, advancing Kenya’s digital government strategy.”
Ali Hussein Kassim, Chairperson of KICTANet, emphasized the importance of digital skills for Kenya’s economic growth.
“By equipping communities with foundational and advanced digital skills, improving access to affordable devices and internet services, and fostering innovation in emerging technologies such as AI, we are paving the way for socio-economic empowerment,” said Kassim.
Dr. Paul Otuoma, Governor of Busia County, expressed his gratitude to the UK Government for their support. “Your commitment to expanding inclusive and secure digital access is transforming lives, empowering communities, and building stronger, more resilient societies,” Otuoma noted.
Dr. Ali Maalim Mohamud, Deputy Governor of Mandera County, also spoke passionately about the impact of the project in his region: “When I look around this room today, I don’t just see the closing chapter of a project. I see the opening pages of a story about transformation. A story about possibility. A story about what happens when we decide, together, that the future belongs to all of us – not just a lucky few.”
Dr Maalim emphasised the real impact on individuals: “Five thousand young people…That’s how many lives in Mandera alone have been touched by this work. Not as passive recipients, but as active participants in their digital awakening. They’ve learned skills. They’ve accessed opportunities. They’ve gained confidence.”
“Digital transformation isn’t ultimately about technology. It’s about human dignity. It’s about ensuring that a child born in Mandera has the same opportunity to participate in our digital future as a child born in Nairobi. It’s about writing a new story of Kenya where your postal code doesn’t determine your potential.”
Colin Sykes, Counsellor, Innovation, Tech and Digital, British High Commission (BHC), on behalf of the UK’s Deputy High Commissioner, Dr. Ed Barnett, affirmed the UK’s commitment to supporting Kenya’s digital transformation.
“We see ourselves as true partners to Kenya as she looks to digitally transform government, society, and development,” Sykes stated. “We aimed to translate that commitment into tangible support for the people of Busia, Mandera, and other counties in Kenya, ensuring those often digitally excluded were instead prioritized.”
Sykes highlighted the success of the SDC project in training young people and providing them with digital skills. He shared the story of Sandis Wamalwa from Busia, who, through the project, acquired digital marketing skills and established his digital workstation.
“His story underscores the powerful ripple effect of targeted digital empowerment in transforming lives and boosting community resilience,” Sykes added.
Recognizing the need to address online safety, the SDC project has undertaken several initiatives to combat Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence (TFGBV). These efforts include research on legal frameworks in Kenya addressing TFGBV, a comprehensive review of TFGBV integration within journalism and law curricula at select Kenyan universities, and the production of a documentary showcasing the lived experiences of survivors.
Furthermore, the project has equipped frontline responders by training 120 police officers and health workers in Busia and Mandera Counties on effectively handling TFGBV cases, provided direct mental health support to 60 girls who were victims of sexual harassment, and developed a multilingual lexicon for TFGBV terms in Luhya, Iteso, and Somali languages—thereby enhancing awareness and improving platform moderation capabilities. These multifaceted efforts underscore a resolute commitment to combating TFGBV and fostering safer online spaces for all Kenyans, especially the most vulnerable.
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