The Kenyan government has unveiled two digital hubs at the Kakamega County Polytechnic and Shianda Polytechnic to expand access to digital technology, enabling youth to learn, connect, and generate income in the digital space.
Advancing Digital Inclusion
Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, Musalia Mudavadi, who presided over the launch, described the hubs as a transformative initiative under the Jitume ICT digital hubs program, spearheaded by Konza Technopolis Development Authority in collaboration with the Ministry of Information, Communications, and the Digital Economy.
This initiative, a pillar of the Bottom-Up Transformation Agenda (BETA), aligns with the government’s goal of establishing 1,450 digital hubs nationwide to create jobs and drive economic growth through the digital economy.
Mudavadi emphasized that these hubs serve as entry points to the expanding digital economy, leveraging the government’s fiber-optic infrastructure to offer Wi-Fi and high-speed internet access.
Benefits of the Digital Hubs
The hubs provide free internet access, empowering youth to acquire digital skills, connect to global learning resources, and explore e-commerce opportunities. They are equipped to support a variety of activities, including online education, podcasting, videography, and entrepreneurship innovation.
“The digital hub allows students, researchers, and small business operators to access Wi-Fi, connect their devices, and explore new opportunities,” Mudavadi said.
He also highlighted the progress in e-governance, with over 22,000 services now available on the e-Citizen platform, representing 85% of government services identified for digital transformation.
Empowering Youth
The hubs aim to equip young people with skills to navigate the global job market, access healthcare information, and leverage digital tools for creative and economic pursuits.
Mudavadi noted, “These hubs are more than internet access points; they are platforms for the youth to work online, market their goods and services, and produce monetizable content such as music and films.”
Enhancing ICT Access
Dr. Margaret Ndung’u, Cabinet Secretary for Information, Communications, and the Digital Economy, highlighted the significant impact of the hubs, including increased ICT access, improved education quality, and higher enrollment in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions.
“Before these hubs, ICT access among learners was at 20%; it has now risen to over 80%, enabling compulsory ICT learning as a core course,” she said.
The hubs are also equipped with assistive technology for differently-abled individuals, ensuring inclusivity in the digital economy.
Broader Impact
The government has operationalized additional digital hubs in Kakamega County, including Shamberere National Polytechnic, Mumias West Technical Training Institute, Sigalagala National Polytechnic, Khwisero TVC, Chevaywa TVC, and Butere Technical Training Institute.
Local leaders and partners, including Governor Fernandes Barasa, Principal Secretaries, and stakeholders, lauded the initiative as a step toward a digitally empowered society that promotes innovation, economic growth, and inclusion.
Dr. Ndung’u envisioned the hubs as innovation centers providing tools and resources for content creation and entrepreneurship, driving Kenya closer to its goal of becoming a global leader in the digital economy.
“This is a bold step in ensuring no one is left behind in our journey toward a digitally inclusive society,” she concluded.
