UK government, KICTANet empowers Mandera with 150 computers for digital inclusion

The UK Government, in collaboration with KICTANet, has made a significant stride toward digital inclusion in Kenya with the donation of 150 state-of-the-art computers to Mandera County. This initiative, launched under the Strengthening Digital Communities Project, aims to bridge the digital divide by providing equitable access to technology for youth, women, persons with disabilities (PWDs), and senior citizens. The project is part of the UK’s Digital Access Programme, implemented in partnership with grassroots organizations, to foster digital literacy and empowerment within historically underserved communities.

The initiative aligns with the UK’s Digital Development Strategy 2024-2030, which prioritizes gender equity and social inclusion in digital access. It also complements Kenya’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) and the Digital Superhighway initiative, key pillars in the country’s vision of a digitally empowered society. By providing technology to marginalized groups, the program contributes to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 4 and 5, which focus on quality education and gender equality, respectively.

During the official handover ceremony, British Deputy High Commissioner Dr. Ed Barnett underscored the significance of digital skills in unlocking opportunities for young people in Mandera. He highlighted how the integration of digital technology could drive innovation in key sectors such as agriculture and business, offering transformative solutions to local challenges.

The 150 computers, valued at KES 15 million, are equipped with accessibility features and assistive software, ensuring that people with disabilities can fully participate in the digital space. To guarantee widespread access, the computers will be strategically placed in digital hubs across Mandera County, including Mandera Town, Elwak, and Bannisa Sub-Counties. These hubs have been fitted with reliable internet connectivity and supporting infrastructure, creating an environment where users can seamlessly access online resources, government services, and digital learning opportunities.

Speaking at the event, Principal Secretary for ICT and Digital Economy, Eng. John Tanui, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to closing the digital divide. He emphasized that Kenya’s economic transformation is anchored on five key pillars, one of which is the Digital Superhighway and Creative Economy. He outlined the government’s ongoing investments in fiber optic infrastructure and digital hubs to enhance connectivity across the country. He further noted that partnerships with the private sector, including leveraging Kenya Power’s infrastructure for broadband expansion and exploring emerging technologies like low-orbit satellites, will be critical in ensuring inclusive internet access.

The Director General of the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA), David Mugonyi, echoed these sentiments, stressing the importance of extending internet connectivity to marginalized communities. He commended the UK Government and KICTANet for prioritizing Mandera, recognizing the initiative as a crucial step in bringing technology and internet access to those historically excluded from digital opportunities. He reiterated the CA’s commitment to supporting underserved areas with fiber optic infrastructure and other necessary resources to ensure digital inclusion.

KICTANet CEO Dr. Grace Githaiga emphasized the organization’s dedication to digital inclusion, noting that the provision of computers and digital skills training will empower marginalized communities to participate in the digital economy and improve their livelihoods. KICTANet, in partnership with 19 other organizations from both the public and private sectors, is working to expand the reach of the project. Key partners include various government ministries, county governments, the National Council for Persons with Disabilities, the Kenya Society for the Blind, and non-state actors such as EldoHub, ACWICT, and UK-Kenya Tech Hub, among others.

Mandera’s Deputy Governor, Dr. Ali Maalim, expressed deep appreciation for the initiative, describing it as a transformative leap toward empowering the county’s youth, bridging inequalities, and unlocking economic opportunities. He highlighted the role of ICT hubs in enabling online learning, remote employment, and digital innovation, positioning Mandera as a future-ready county in the digital age. He called for additional support from partners to establish more vocational centers across all seven sub-counties to ensure comprehensive digital inclusion.

By:  Kanto Okanta