British High Commission announces Sh390 million funding for digital access in Busia, Mandera

The British High Commission has announced a Sh390 million in funding for ‘Strengthening Digital Communities’ in Busia and Mandera counties.

The project aims to bridge the digital divide in the two counties by enhancing access to digital skills and technology for women, young people, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities (PWDs). 

This is thanks to the partnership between the British High Commission and KICTANet which is set to work with various institutions including National Council of Persons with Disabilities, Kenya Society for the Blind (KSB), Technology For Growth (Tech4G) amongst others to ensure digital inclusivity. 

This aims to improve livelihoods and foster socio-economic growth in these two counties which currently face significant challenges related to digital exclusion.

The announcement was made during the launch of the Community Action Plan and the Agriculture Digital Platform at the Agriculture Training Centre in  Busia County.

The project seeks to place a special focus on digital employability by identifying and placing high-potential young women and youth in employment by equipping them with skills, mentorship, financial literacy and entrepreneurship. 

It is also set to run community engagement and awareness campaigns to promote cyber hygiene, digital safety, and benefits of digital inclusion.

Additionally, the project targets to develop research outputs, policy briefs, and other materials to inform systemic improvements in ICT policies.

Speaking at the launch, Busia Governor Paul Otuoma said the partnership is not just an investment in technology but in the very future of the people of Busia, especially the underserved. 

This support, he added, is a cornerstone in their shared vision of a more inclusive, equitable, and prosperous society. 

“It is with immense gratitude and optimism that my administration celebrates this significant partnership, and we express our deepest appreciation to the British High Commission for their continued support through the Digital Access Program,” Otuoma said.  

“Through the provision of digital skills and training opportunities, we are confident that the program will benefit some of the most vulnerable and essential segments of our population; women, young people, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities (PWDs).” 

On his part British Deputy High Commissioner Ed Barnett noted that putting young people, women and persons with disabilities at the heart of development is transformative. 

The UK, he added, is committed to working with Kenya to ensure these underserved groups within the population enhance their digital skills, access vital services like e-citizen, secure jobs and participate meaningfully in the digital world.

“We are delighted to partner with the Kenya Information Communication and Technology Action Network (KICTANet) on this important project in line with our commitment to supporting digital inclusion globally,” he said. 

“We can only go far, together, and I believe by working together, we can ensure that digital opportunities are accessible to everyone.”

KICTANet CEO Grace Githaiga further said that by empowering marginalised communities with digital skills and resources, we can break down barriers and create a more inclusive and equitable society. 

“This project is more than just about technology; it’s about empowering communities and creating opportunities for those who have been left behind by the digital revolution,” she added. 

During his visit to Busia, Deputy High Commissioner Barnett also visited a community health centre where adolescents aged 15-19 years are accessing reproductive health services, enabled by a digital platform to tackle HIV infections, AIDS related deaths, and teenage pregnancies. 

The project that is currently being managed by Tiko, was started with seed funding from the UK government.

The UK government’s Digital Access Programme (DAP) working in partnership with KICTANet aims to reach over 190,000 people as well as 10,000 young people with digital skills contributing to Kenya’s target of reaching 20 million digitally literate citizens by 2027.

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