The British High Commission has announced a KES 390 million initiative to improve digital access in Busia and Mandera Counties. The ‘Strengthening Digital Communities’ project seeks to equip marginalized groups. This include women, youth, older people, and persons with disabilities [PWDs], with critical digital skills and technology access.
Strengthening Digital Communities
Launched by British Deputy High Commissioner, Dr. Ed Barnett, the project will enhance digital employability through mentorship, financial literacy, and entrepreneurship programs, particularly for young women and youth. The project also aims to promote cyber hygiene, digital safety, and digital inclusion through community engagement campaigns. Busia Governor Dr. Paul Otuoma praised the partnership, stating: “It is with immense gratitude and optimism that my administration celebrates this significant partnership. We express our deepest appreciation to the British High Commission for their continued support through the Digital Access Program. This partnership is not just an investment in technology but in the very future of the people of Busia, especially the underserved”.
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“This support is a cornerstone in our shared vision of a more inclusive, equitable, and prosperous society. Through the provision of digital skills and training opportunities. We are confident that the program will benefit some of the most vulnerable and essential segments of our population. Women, young people, older people, and persons with disabilities [PWDs]”, he added.
Achieving 20 million Digitally Literate Kenyans by 2027
The project, supported by the UK’s Digital Access Programme [DAP]. Aims to reach over 190,000 people and 10,000 young individuals with digital skills. It will contribute to Kenya’s goal of achieving 20 million digitally literate citizens by 2027. Partners include the National Council of Persons with Disabilities, Kenya Society for the Blind, and Tech4G.
“Putting young people, women and persons with disabilities at the heart of development is transformative. The UK is committed to working with Kenya to ensure these underserved groups within the population enhance their digital skills. That they are able to access vital services like e-citizen, secure jobs, and participate meaningfully in this digital world”. Said the British Deputy High Commissioner to Kenya, Dr. Ed Barnett, adding: “We are delighted to partner with KICTANet on this important project in line with our commitment to supporting digital inclusion globally. We can only go far, together, and I believe by working together, we can ensure that digital opportunities are accessible to everyone.”
Ensuring Digital Inclusivity
This partnership between the British High Commission and KICTANet will work with various institutions. They include National Council of Persons with Disabilities, Kenya Society for the Blind [KSB], Technology For Growth [Tech4G] amongst others. This will improve livelihoods and foster socio-economic growth in these two counties which currently face significant challenges related to digital exclusion.
“By empowering marginalised communities with digital skills and resources, we can break down barriers and create a more inclusive and equitable society. This project is about more than just technology—it’s about empowering communities and creating opportunities for those who have been left behind by the digital revolution”, said Dr Grace Githaiga, CEO, KICTANet.
In addition to launching the project. Dr. Barnett visited a community health center in Busia where adolescents are accessing reproductive health services via a digital platform. They use this platform to address HIV, AIDS-related deaths, and teenage pregnancies. Tiko manages this platform with seed funding from the UK government.
The initiative underscores the UK’s commitment to fostering digital inclusion and socio-economic growth in Kenya’s underserved communities.
