Mandera County Enhances Digital Access and Literacy to Empower Marginalized Groups
Mandera County has received a major digital boost with 150 computers from the UK Government, aimed at expanding access to technology and empowering youth, women, persons with disabilities (PWDs), and senior citizens across the region.
This initiative, part of the UK’s Digital Access Programme in partnership with KICTANet and downstream grassroot partners, under the Strengthening Digital Communities Project aims to bridge the digital divide and enhance digital literacy within the community, contributing significantly to the Kenyan government’s vision of a digitally empowered nation.
Principal Secretary of ICT and Digital Economy,Eng. John Tanui ( 3rd rt),Communications Authority (CA), Director General ,David Mugonyi (2nd Rt) and British Deputy High Commissioner Dr Ed Barnett (1st RT) flagging off computer consignment.
This initiative aligns with the UK Digital Development Strategy 2024-2030, which emphasizes gender equity and social inclusion in digital access. It also supports the Kenyan government’s digital superhighway agenda, fostering a strong digital economy while advancing Sustainable Development Goals 4 (Quality Education) and 5 (Gender Equality).
KICTANet is a multi-stakeholder think tank driving ICT policy and regulatory reforms in Kenya. Committed to digital rights, inclusivity, and socio-economic development, it fosters collaboration to shape a more accessible and progressive ICT sector.
Speaking on Thursday at the event Principal Secretary of ICT and Digital Economy,Eng. John Tanui, emphasized the government’s commitment to bridging the digital divide and creating opportunities for young Kenyans.
“Our government has put a clear program of economic transformation with a focus on five pillars. One of the pillars is the digital superhighway and creative economy, and it’s also an enabler on the other four key pillars,” Tanui stated.
He highlighted the importance of expanding connectivity infrastructure, noting the ongoing rollout of fiber optic cables and the establishment of digital hubs across the country.
“We are laying the right foundation to make sure we make this a reality,” he added, emphasizing the government’s commitment to ensuring equitable access to digital resources.
Making his remarks, Communications Authority (CA), Director General ,David Mugonyi has emphasized the importance of extending internet connectivity to marginalized communities.
“This initiative, as all of you know, is meant to ensure digital access and inclusion and the mere fact that you’ve chosen Mandera, tells us a lot of what you are thinking about giving access to technology and internet to the less privileged in society, those who are marginalized,” she stated.
He commended the initiative for supplementing the government’s digital superhighway program, which aims to expand connectivity across the country. Mugonyi reiterated the CA’s commitment to ensuring that underserved and unserved areas gain access to fibre optic infrastructure, enabling internet access for all.
Concurrently,British Deputy High Commissioner Dr Ed Barnett announced that the state-of-the-art computers worth KES 15 million, have accessibility features and Assistive Software will be strategically distributed to digital hubs across key locations in Mandera County including Mandera Town, Elwak and Bannisa Sub counties to ensure equitable access for all users, specifically girls, women, persons with disability and senior citizens.
Additionally,Barnett stated that each digital hub has been fitted with reliable internet connectivity and other infrastructure to provide seamless access to online resources and digital services.“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 Deputy Governor Dr. Ali Maalim emphasized on the importance of collaboration, noting that the initiative is part of a broader partnership with the British Government under their Digital Access Programme, which seeks to promote digital inclusion among marginalized groups.
“This initiative is not merely a technological milestone but a transformative leap toward empowering our youth, bridging inequalities, and unlocking opportunities for Mandera County.”he said.
