By, Mwendwa Kivuva
In a vibrant showcase of collaboration and innovation, KICTANet, in conjunction with the UK Government’s Digital Access Program, British Council, and a host of Kenyan partners, orchestrated a groundbreaking Training of Trainers program planning session.
This landmark event united influential organizations such as the ICT Authority, Communications Authority of Kenya, Ministry of Youth Affairs – Creative Economy and Sports, UK-Kenya Tech Hub, ITU, GENCAD International, the Association for the Physically Disabled of Kenya (APDK), the Kenya Society for the Blind, and the Africa Center for Technology Studies, among others.
This event marked an important step in enhancing digital skills and cybersecurity awareness in Kenya for marginalised groups especially the youth, people with disabilities, and women.
Dr. Grace Githaiga, CEO of KICTANet, opened the session by emphasizing the organization’s dedication to capacity building in digital skills, cybersecurity, ICT policy-making, and data privacy. She stated, “Our goal is to nurture new voices in policy advocacy through continuous training,” highlighting the importance of developing expertise in these critical areas.
KICTANet stressed the necessity of harmonizing diverse educational and skilling content documented through collaborative efforts.
Charles Juma, the UK DAP Manager and Advisor, provided an overview of the project which focuses on building foundational tech skills for youth and marginalized groups. The initiative also aims to provide entrepreneurial activities, develop locally relevant digital content, facilitate access to government services, and raise awareness about the project.
This program reflects KICTANet’s commitment to promoting digital inclusion and cybersecurity awareness among marginalized populations in Kenya. By equipping trainers with the necessary skills and knowledge, KICTANet aims to create a ripple effect that will enhance digital literacy and cybersecurity resilience across the country.
The collaborative nature of this initiative underscores the importance of partnerships in achieving these goals, as it brings together multiple stakeholders from government agencies to international partners like UKAID.
In conclusion, today’s Training of Trainers program is a testament to KICTANet’s ongoing efforts to build capacity at multiple levels—from grassroots initiatives to national policy-making forums—ensuring that Kenya remains at the forefront of digital innovation and security.
