Authors: Brandon Chagema, Peter Ongalo and Samwel Oyugi
On 4th July 2025, the Green and Digital Innovation Hub (gDIH) celebrated the graduation of its first cohort of learners in an exciting event held at JKUAT. 20 participating innovators graduated from the Digital Skills Training Program. The graduation with the theme “Code. Create. Connect: MSMEs in the Age of Artificial Intelligence” was hosted by JKUAT and JHUB Africa.
The Digital Entrepreneurship and Marketing Program was a fully virtual and transformative initiative that equipped Startups, Innovators, and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) with the critical digital competencies required to thrive in the competitive global economy.
In a world increasingly driven by technology, digital skills are not only desirable but essential in Kenya’s economic landscape. High unemployment rates and rapid technological advancements demand innovative solutions, and at gDIH, we believe that young innovators are at the heart of these solutions. For MSMEs, digital skills are a catalyst for growth, enabling access to new markets, enhanced productivity, and competitive advantage. For youth, these skills open doors to meaningful employment and entrepreneurship, fostering self-reliance and contribution to Kenya’s socio-economic development.
The Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) was selected as the implementing partner of this program due to its leadership in ICT education, research, and innovation in Kenya. JKUAT has consistently demonstrated strong capacity in digital skills development, entrepreneurship training, and technological advancement.
This program was spearheaded by Dr. Lawrence Nderu, the Chairman of the Department of Computing at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), founder of JHUB Africa, and co-founder of the gDIH. Dr. Nderu, who holds a Ph.D. in Computer Science, a Master’s degree in Software Engineering, and a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics and Computer Science, and who is also a certified NVIDIA Instructor started the event by offering a transformative Prompt Engineering workshop, equipping MSMEs with practical skills in AI.
Dr. Caroline Mbaya, Project Manager at gDIH Kenya, spoke on the vital role that inclusive innovation plays in transforming communities. At the same time, Prof. George Thiong’o, Principal of COPAS – JKUAT, reflected on JKUAT’s legacy and future.
The key note speaker for the day, Mr. Teresios Bundi, Gig & Data Economy Advisor at Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, issued a challenge and a call to rise: “We shouldn’t be locked at the bottom of the AI value chain. We must become builders.”
The Digital Skills Training and Awareness program aligned with gDIH’s mission in skills development; supporting innovation and building capacity in key areas of technology, green solutions, and entrepreneurship.
Throughout this program, participants explored various topics/courses designed to enhance understanding and proficiency in key areas of the digital economy, including but not limited to data analysis, digital literacy, and digital marketing.
The objectives of the training were to:
- Equip youth, startups, and MSMEs with foundational and emerging digital skills.
- Promote digital inclusion and equity, especially gender and regional equity.
- Foster innovation through the introduction of technologies such as AI, cloud computing, and business automation.
- Build a community of digitally ready entrepreneurs and innovators for sustainable economic growth.
Over 177 applicants demonstrated interest, with a focus on digital marketing, entrepreneurship, and business automation.
Most applicants showcased limited exposure to emerging technologies like IoT (81.4% at beginner level) and AI applications (77.4% at beginner level).
Female applicants accounted for only 33.3%, thus highlighting a need for targeted outreach to bridge the gender divide.
Applications were received from 15 counties, with Nairobi leading at 23.7%, but there was limited representation from rural counties, indicating an outreach gap.
The curriculum covered:
- Foundational Digital Literacy.
- Digital Marketing Strategies.
- Business Automation Tools.
- Intro to AI and Cloud Computing.
- Practical Assignments and Hands-On Tool Exposure.
Under the guidance of JKUAT and JHUB, participants gained:
- Capacity Building: Hands-on training on tools and technologies critical for today’s digital economy.
- Market Awareness: Insights into leveraging digital platforms to grow businesses and access opportunities.
- Innovation Insights: Exposure to cutting-edge digital solutions and how to apply them to real-world challenges.
- Networking Opportunities: Interactive sessions, and connections with like-minded individuals, mentors, and experts.
Various challenges emerged during the program, such as:
- Gender imbalance and rural underrepresentation.
- High participant drop-off rates.
- Diverse learner skill levels and technical challenges.
- Scheduling conflicts with work commitments.
It was exciting to learn that most of the graduates were not emerging entrepreneurs, but instead established business persons who felt the need to update their skills to succeed in the digital age.
For example, Tracy Odero, a vibrant graduate, and the only lady in the program, stated that the program has revolutionized her life, and has helped her even more than her Bachelor of Commerce Degree. From the training, she has managed to build and curate her website, www.ridewaystore.com, and online shopping store, where she aims to become as big as, or even bigger than Jumia. Tracy also shared that she has trained 2 other women on what she learnt, and is helping them perfect it like she has.
Hear her story on our youtube page through the link below:
In the same way, established entrepreneur, Dr. Boniface Muli who deals with clean energy found his passion for learning Python, Jupiter, amongst other coding languages. The call for the program was shared to him by some friends, and he took a chance. He is now using data in his businesses, where he is able to create his logo, engage in his active social media, and impressively, is about to leverage data in his businesses, enabling him to design his logo, engage on social media, and complete his business website.
Hear his story on our youtube page through the link below:
At gDIH, we envision a future where every innovator and MSME leverages digital tools to unlock opportunities. Digital skills are not just a gateway to employment; they are essential for fostering entrepreneurship and innovation
