The UK Government, handed over 150 computers to the leadership of Mandera to be distributed throughout the county to help empower the youth, women, persons with disabilities (PWDs) and senior citizens Thursday ( [30/01/2025]).
This initiative, part of the UK’s Digital Access Programme in partnership with KICTANet and downstream grassroot partners, under the Strengthening Digital Communities Project aims to bridge the digital divide and enhance digital literacy within the community, contributing significantly to the Kenyan government’s vision of a digitally empowered nation.
It aligns perfectly with the UK Digital Development Strategy 2024-2030, which prioritizes gender equity and social inclusion in digital access. It also complements the Kenya government’s ambitious Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) and the “Digital Superhighway” initiative, aimed at fostering a robust digital economy and contributing to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals 4 (Quality Education) and 5 (Gender Equality).
British Deputy High Commissioner Dr Ed Barnett said:
“Young people are the future, and I am particularly optimistic that the young people of Mandera can build their digital skills and offer solutions to farmers, cooperatives, and businesses in the county.”
The state-of-the-art computers worth KES 15 million, have accessibility features and Assistive Software and will be strategically distributed to digital hubs across key locations in Mandera County, including Mandera Town, Elwak and Bannisa Sub counties to ensure equitable access for all users, specifically, girls, women, persons with disability and senior citizens. Each digital hub has been fitted with reliable internet connectivity and other infrastructure to provide seamless access to online resources and digital services.
Eng. John Tanui, Principal Secretary of ICT and Digital Economy, speaking at the ceremony emphasized the government’s commitment to bridging the digital divide and creating opportunities for young Kenyans.
“Our government has put a clear program of economic transformation with a focus on five pillars. One of the pillars is the digital superhighway and creative economy, and it’s also an enabler on the other four key pillars,” Tanui stated.
He highlighted the importance of expanding connectivity infrastructure, noting the ongoing rollout of fiber optic cables and the establishment of digital hubs across the country. “We are laying the right foundation to make sure we make this a reality,” he added, emphasizing the government’s commitment to ensuring equitable access to digital resources.
The Principal Secretary reiterated the government’s commitment to working with the private sector to expand broadband access, citing initiatives like leveraging Kenya Power’s infrastructure to lay fiber optic cables and exploring emerging solutions like low-orbiting satellites. He emphasized the importance of creating a conducive environment for businesses to thrive in the digital space, noting the increasing presence of business process outsourcing companies in Kenya.
David Mugonyi, Director General of the Communications Authority (CA), emphasized the importance of extending internet connectivity to marginalized communities.
“This initiative, as all of you know, is meant to ensure digital access and inclusion, and the mere fact that you’ve chosen Mandera, tells us a lot of what you are thinking about giving access to technology and internet to the less privileged in society, those who are marginalized,” Mugonyi stated.
He commended the initiative for supplementing the government’s digital superhighway program, which aims to expand connectivity across the country. Mugonyi reiterated the CA’s commitment to ensuring that underserved and unserved areas gain access to fibre optic infrastructure, enabling internet access for all.
KICTANet Chief Executive Officer Dr Grace Githaiga said;
“This partnership with the UK Government is a testament to our shared commitment to digital inclusion. By providing access to devices and through digital skills training, we are empowering historically marginalized and digitally excluded communities to participate in the digital economy and to enhance their livelihoods.”.
As part of the initiative, KICTANet is working with 19 partners including, Government Partners: The Ministry of Information Communication and Digital Economy; The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development; The Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports; County governments of Busia and Mandera; The Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Authority; The National Council for Persons with Disabilities; The Kenya Society for the Blind; The Kenya Bureau of Standards (Kebs) and the Kenya Agricultural Livestock and Research Organization.
Non-State Partners: Technology For Growth (TECH4G); African Centre for Technology Studies (ACTS); Generation for Change and Development (GENCAD); African Centre for Women, Information and Communications Technology (ACWICT); EldoHub; Sote Hub; UK-Kenya Tech Hub; Plusfarm and Akukuranut Development Trust.
During the event, Deputy Governor HE Dr. Ali Maalim expressed his gratitude, stating:
“This initiative is not merely a technological milestone but a transformative leap toward empowering our youth, bridging inequalities, and unlocking opportunities for Mandera County.”
Dr. Maalim emphasized the importance of collaboration, noting that the initiative is part of a broader partnership with the British Government under their Digital Access Programme, which seeks to promote digital inclusion among marginalized groups.
Speaking on the potential impact of this program, he stated: “With these computers, our ICT hubs will become vibrant centers for online learning, remote employment, and innovation.”
Lastly, he called on other partners to support the operationalization of additional vocational centers to ensure comprehensive coverage across all seven sub-counties of Mandera.
This project is expected to have a significant impact on the lives of thousands of people in Mandera County, enabling them to access education, healthcare, government services, and economic opportunity.
