Konza Technopolis, February 5, 2025 – The African Centre for Technology Studies (ACTS) hosted the UN in Kenya DigiKen team to explore modalities for cooperation and partnership under the Digiken programme in Kenya. The visit also provided an opportunity for ACTS to showcase the innovative initiatives being carried out under the Green and Digital Innovation Hub (gDIH) at Konza Technopolis.
During the visit, the discussions focused on ongoing work on digital transformation, policy research, and capacity-building initiatives.
Dr. Caroline Mbaya, gDIH project manager, gave a presentation the Hubs significant position in driving digital transformation among Kenyan youth and emphasized the hubs commitment to empowering young innovators and entrepreneurs Kenya:
“The hub is keen to support young innovators to tap into emerging opportunities in the Digital Ecosystem by matching them with the right financing channels, strengthening their capacity through need-based training and connecting them to the right markets.”
Dr Mbaya and Dr. Winston Ojenge, Head ACAII, led discussions with presentations on their work in advancing digital skills, policy frameworks, and sustainable digital solutions. The gDIH team also outlined its vision for catalyzing green digital innovations that support Kenya’s transition to an inclusive and environmentally sustainable digital economy.
The DigiKen consortium elaborated on its initiative, emphasizing its focus on leveraging partnerships to fast-track Kenya’s achievement of the SDGs. DigiKen aims to:
- Enhance access to capital for MSMEs, local start-ups, and entrepreneurs to invest, innovate, and deliver digital platform business solutions tailored to local needs.
- Increase public sector capacity at national and county levels to drive inclusive, sustainable, and gender-responsive digital transformation while protecting fundamental human rights.
- Strengthen digital skills among vulnerable groups, particularly women and girls, youth, and communities in ASAL counties and urban informal settlements.
Prof. Tom Ogada, Executive Director of ACTS, emphasized the importance of meaningful partnerships and collaborations in promoting digital transformation:
“Partnerships are key to ensuring that digital innovations are not only cutting-edge but also inclusive and sustainable. We need solutions that align with Kenya’s development priorities.”
Irene Mwoga, UNEP Regional Coordinator for Digital Transformation Program – Africa stated that;
“Innovation and digital transformation thrive on strong partnerships. The success of DigiKen is rooted in collaboration, leveraging the achievements and lessons from Konza and other key partners to drive impactful progress.”
The partnership between DigiKen and ACTS, particularly through the gDIH, is crucial in driving Kenya’s digital transformation. By leveraging ACTS’ expertise in digital innovation, policy research, and capacity-building. This collaboration ensures that digital solutions are inclusive, sustainable, and aligned with Kenya’s development goals, fostering a thriving digital ecosystem that accelerates the achievement of the SDGs and empowers youth, women, and marginalized communities. This partnership strengthens both organizations’ ability to create lasting, positive change in Kenya’s digital economy, laying the groundwork for sustainable growth and transformation. The visit ended with a brief tour of Konza Technopolis.
DigiKen, a multi-stakeholder initiative supported by the UN Joint SDG Fund aims to foster a thriving digital platform ecosystem in Kenya, driving good governance and sustainable economic development. The consortium includes UNESCO as the Lead Agency, alongside the UN Capital Development Fund (UNCDF), UN Women and UNEP.
For more information on DigiKen Joint Programme, visit https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/what-you-need-know-about-digital-platforms-kenya-initiative
All joint programmes of the Joint SDG Fund are led by UN Resident Coordinators and implemented by the agencies, funds and programmes of the United Nations development system. With sincere appreciation for the contributions from the European Union and Governments of Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Monaco, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Korea, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland for a transformative movement towards achieving the SDGs by 2030.
