Mandera County received a significant boost to its digital infrastructure on Thursday with the handover of 150 computers, a joint initiative by the UK Government and KICTANet.
The donation, part of the UK’s Digital Access Programme and the Strengthening Digital Communities Project, aims to bridge the digital divide and empower local communities.
The computers, valued at KES 15 million, will be distributed to digital hubs across the county, providing access to technology and internet connectivity for youth, women, persons with disabilities, and 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,” said Dr Ed Barnett, British Deputy High Commissioner.
The initiative aligns with the UK Digital Development Strategy 2024-2030, Kenya’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), and supports UN Sustainable Development Goals 4 (Quality Education) and 5 (Gender Equality).
The computers are equipped with accessibility features and assistive software to ensure equitable access for all users. Reliable internet connectivity and other infrastructure have also been installed at the digital hubs.
“Our government has put together 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,” stated Eng. John Tanui, Principal Secretary of ICT and Digital Economy.
We flagged off 150 computers to Mandera County today through the support of @KICTANet
and the UK Digital Access Program, this aligns with the Kenya Digital Economy Blueprint by providing e-learning for students, digital marketing tools for entrepreneurs, and innovation platforms… pic.twitter.com/t0Pkf2wl1T— Eng. John Kipchumba Tanui,CBS (@tanuijohn) January 30, 2025
Tanui emphasized the government’s commitment to expanding connectivity infrastructure and working with the private sector to bridge the digital divide.
He highlighted initiatives like leveraging Kenya Power’s infrastructure for fibre optic cable deployment and exploring solutions like low-orbiting satellites to expand broadband access.
David Mugonyi, Director General of the Communications Authority (CA), echoed the importance of digital inclusion, stating, “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 the internet to the less privileged in society, those who are marginalized.”
He commended the project for complementing the government’s “Digital Superhighway” program.
KICTANet CEO Dr. Grace Githaiga added, “This partnership with the UK Government is a testament to our shared commitment to digital inclusion. By access to devices and through digital skills training, we are empowering historically marginalized and digitally excluded communities to participate in the digital economy and to enhance their livelihoods.”
The project is a collaborative effort involving 19 partners, including government ministries, county governments, and non-state actors, demonstrating a multi-stakeholder approach to digital development.
Mandera County Deputy Governor, Dr Ali Maalim, expressed his gratitude for the initiative, calling it “a transformative leap toward empowering our youth, bridging inequalities, and unlocking opportunities for Mandera County.”
He emphasized the importance of these hubs becoming “vibrant centres for online learning, remote employment, and innovation.”
