KICTANet, with support from the UK Government’s Digital Access Programme through the British High Commission in Nairobi, conducted courtesy visits to the Mandera County Commissioner and the Governor’s Office.
These visits led by Generation for Change & Development (GENCAD), our implementing partner in the region, aimed to showcase the advancements and positive impacts of the “Strengthening Digital Communities” (SDC) project within Mandera County.
The SDC project project addresses the digital divide affecting marginalised groups in Mandera and Busia counties, including women, youth, persons with disabilities (PWDs), and small-scale traders.
Through targeted digital skills and access to technology, the project seeks to foster socio-economic empowerment, improve livelihoods, and ensure digital inclusivity in these counties.
The initiative also addresses critical societal issues, including mental health and gender-based violence, by enhancing digital literacy.
During the discussions, key points were emphasised:
- The project has made significant strides in providing digital skills training, with substantial progress towards its target of reaching 80,000 individuals by March 2025 within the county.
- The project’s focus on supporting youth entrepreneurship through advanced digital skills and improved infrastructure access was highlighted.
- The importance of training provided to police officers and healthcare workers to enhance their capacity in addressing mental health and gender-based violence was acknowledged.
- The strong collaborative relationship with both national and county government authorities, which has facilitated smooth project implementation, was noted.
- Ongoing community impact assessments are being conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of the project.
Mr Hassannor Adan, the Deputy County Secretary (DCS), emphasized Mandera’s potential as the “Gateway to the Horn of Africa,” expressing hope for its realization within his lifetime.
The Deputy County Commissioner, Solomon Chepoton, expressed gratitude for the project’s contributions, emphasizing its role in bridging literacy gaps and fostering development in Mandera. He noted, “While Mandera’s literacy levels may be around 20%, this digital skills training is empowering our people.”
The visit underscored the importance of education and technology in addressing local challenges and driving sustainable development.
