The United Kingdom (UK) Government has donated 150 computers to Mandera County to empower marginalised groups, including the youth, women, persons with disabilities (PWDs), and senior citizens.
The Kenya Information Communication Technology Action Network (KICTANet), a multi-stakeholder Think Tank for ICT policy and regulation, in partnership with the UK’s Digital Access programme, aims at bridging the digital divide and enhancing digital literacy within communities.
The programme aligns with the UK’s Digital Development Strategy (2024-2030), which prioritises gender equity and social inclusion in digital access and supports Kenya’s digital agenda and the Digital Superhighway Initiative, working toward a strong digital economy and the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals on quality education and gender equality.
Speaking on Thursday during the flagging-off, Principal Secretary for ICT and the Digital Economy Eng. John Tanui, highlighted the government’s commitment to bridging the digital divide and providing cyberspace opportunities for young Kenyans.
“Our government has a clear economic transformation programme with a focus on five pillars, one of which is the digital superhighway and creative economy,” Tanui said.
He stressed the importance of expanding connectivity infrastructure, including the ongoing rollout of fibre optic cables and the creation of digital hubs.
Tanui also noted the government’s commitment to partnering with the private sector to expand broadband access, leveraging on infrastructure like Kenya Power’s and exploring innovative solutions like low-orbit satellites.
Making his remarks, Director General of the Communications Authority (CA) David Mugonyi emphasized the significance of extending internet access to marginalised communities.
Mugonyi praised the initiative for supporting the government’s digital superhighway programme and reiterated the CA’s commitment to ensuring that underserved areas were connected to fibre optic networks.
British Deputy High Commissioner Dr. Ed Barnett announced that the computers, worth Sh15 million, feature accessibility tools and will be distributed across Mandera County, including but not limited to Mandera Town, Elwak, and Bannisa Sub Counties.
Barnett said that the digital hubs would provide reliable internet connectivity and infrastructure to support seamless access to online resources, especially for girls, women, PWDs, and also senior citizens.
“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,” he said.
Mandera’s Deputy Governor Dr. Ali Maalim emphasized the importance of collaboration, highlighting the initiative’s role in promoting digital inclusion.
“This initiative is not just a technological milestone but a transformative step toward empowering our youth, bridging inequalities, and unlocking opportunities for Mandera County,” he stated.
KICTANet is partnering with 19 entities, including government ministries, county governments, and non-state partners, such as Technology for Growth (TECH4G), the African Centre for Technology Studies (ACTS), and the Kenya Society for the Blind, to further the goal of digital inclusion.
By Sharon Atieno
