The Kenya Society for the Blind (KSB) is equipping persons with visual impairments with essential computer skills.
In Busia County, participants are gaining hands-on experience with keyboards, screen readers, and other assistive technologies, boosting their confidence and enabling them to navigate the digital world more independently.
Samson Waweru, Director of the Kenya Society for the Blind, says the initiative aims to train over 200 visually impaired individuals across the seven sub-counties of Busia County.
The training focuses on improving their access to online services and empowering them socially and economically.
“If we want to empower visually impaired people and persons with disabilities, technology is the key,” stated Mr. Waweru.
“This training provides participants with the knowledge and skills to tap into opportunities available through digital platforms, including accessing information, interacting with websites, and engaging with online services.”
Similar Initiatives in Mandera County
In Mandera County, Signs Media Kenya LTD conducted a five-day digital literacy training program for Sign Language Interpreters and Deaf individuals.
This initiative aims to empower them as community digital champions by enhancing their access to digital services, including eCitizen and the assistALL app, facilitating easier service delivery.
assistALL is Kenya’s first mobile application that provides on-demand sign language interpretation services. Available on Android devices, assistALL facilitates communication between deaf individuals and others, bridging communication barriers. The app is fully operational and available for download from the Google Play Store. It operates on a per-minute billing platform.
Sign language interpreters play a crucial role in the lives of deaf individuals. In Kenya, there are approximately 500 qualified sign language interpreters serving the needs of over 260,000 people with hearing impairments.
However, most interpreters are located in urban areas, and the high cost of their services limits accessibility for low-income and rural populations.
Strengthening Digital Communities (SDC) Project
These initiatives are key components of the Strengthening Digital Communities (SDC) project, led by KICTANet and supported by the UK Government’s Digital Access Programme and the British High Commission in Nairobi in collaboration with the Government of Kenya, the County Governments of Busia and Mandera and various partners, aims to improve digital skills and access in the country.
The SDC project aims to create a more inclusive digital future for all by addressing the digital divide affecting marginalized groups in Mandera and Busia counties, including women, youth, persons with disabilities (PWDs), and small-scale traders.
By enhancing digital skills and access to technology, the project seeks to foster socio-economic empowerment, improve livelihoods, and ensure digital inclusivity in these regions.
#DigitalAccessProgramme Explainer: What’s the Strengthening Digital Communities project all about?🤔
Here’s everything you need to know. From basic digital skills courses to certifications and the role of community digital champions!
Learn more: https://t.co/gR0jNgNWPS… pic.twitter.com/m2NMiOpU9X
— KICTANet (@KICTANet) November 20, 2024
Project Background
Recognizing the critical role of digital literacy in economic growth and social development, the Government of Kenya has prioritized digital inclusion initiatives. This project aligns with the UK Digital Development Strategy 2024-2030 and supports the Kenyan Government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) and the National Digital Master Plan 2022-2032.
The project aims to transform digital communities in Busia and Mandera by promoting digital inclusion, enhancing digital skills, and empowering individuals.
