NAIROBI, Kenya- Kenya has officially taken a bold step towards a more inclusive digital future with the launch of DigiKen, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at empowering marginalized communities to thrive in the digital economy.
Launched on Monday, the joint UN and EU-backed program seeks to bridge the digital divide by equipping Kenyans with the skills and resources needed to fully participate in today’s digital world.
MICDE Cabinet Secretary Dr. Margaret Ndung’u, speaking at the event, emphasized that access to digital platforms is no longer a luxury but a necessity.
“From education and healthcare to economic opportunities and civic engagement, digital inclusion is central to how we live, work, and participate in society,” she noted.
DigiKen is spearheaded by UNESCO in collaboration with partners like UN Women, UNCDF, and UNEP, with the goal of aligning with Kenya’s UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework.
A key focus of DigiKen is empowering marginalized groups such as women, girls, youth, and residents of Kenya’s arid and semi-arid regions, as well as those in urban informal settlements.
By fostering digital literacy and entrepreneurship, DigiKen seeks to enable these groups to actively participate in Kenya’s growing digital economy.
The program also emphasizes supporting Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) by providing the necessary digital tools and financial access to develop digital platforms.
In addition to empowering individuals, DigiKen aims to prepare government officials with critical digital skills. This approach ensures the country’s leadership can steer Kenya toward a sustainable, inclusive digital transformation, all while upholding human rights.
At the heart of DigiKen’s efforts are 15 Digital Innovation Hubs that serve as training grounds for digital literacy, entrepreneurship, and sustainable AI technologies.
These hubs will provide resources and training to foster a new wave of digital entrepreneurs. DigiKen’s initiatives are ambitious: by 2027, it aims to create 4,500 direct jobs and 20,000 indirect jobs, benefiting over two million users on various digital platforms.
Moreover, DigiKen is set to train over 20,000 government officials, ensuring that digital transformation extends to every level of public service.
In a bid to tackle pressing social challenges, from healthcare and education to gender equality and environmental sustainability, DigiKen envisions a future where technology serves as a catalyst for progress, inclusion, and prosperity.
DigiKen is a vision for a Kenya where technology is the driving force behind progress and opportunity. By empowering marginalized groups and providing digital training, DigiKen is setting the stage for a more inclusive, prosperous future.
