Mandera County receives 150 computers to enhance digital literacy
The initiative is part of the UK's Digital Access Programme that aims to bridge the digital divide and enhance digital literacy within communities,
The Government of the United Kingdom on Thursday handed over 150 computers to Mandera County to be distributed throughout the county to help empower the youth, women, persons with disabilities (PWDs) and senior citizens.
The initiative that is implemented by KICKTANet, is part of the UK's Digital Access Programme that aims to bridge the digital divide and enhance digital literacy within communities, contributing significantly to the government's vision of a digitally empowered nation.
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The computers, equipped with 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.
The gadgets worth Sh15 million will be stationed at digital hubs that are equipped with reliable internet connectivity and infrastructure to facilitate seamless access to online resources and digital services.
British Deputy High Commissioner Dr Ed Barnett said the project aligns perfectly with the UK Digital Development Strategy 2024-2030, which prioritizes gender equity and social inclusion in digital access and complements the Kenya government's ambitious Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) and the "Digital Superhighway" initiative, aimed at fostering a robust digital economy and contributing to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals 4 (Quality Education) and 5 (Gender Equality).
"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.
ICT and Digital Economy Principal Secretary Eng. John Tanui said the project aligns with the government's commitment to working with the private sector to expand broadband access and create opportunities for young Kenyans.
"Our government has put a clear programme 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.
ICT hubs
Mandera Deputy Governor Dr Ali Maalim said the computers will help the county's ICT hubs become vibrant centres for online learning, remote employment, and innovation.
"This initiative is not merely a technological milestone but a transformative leap toward empowering our youth, bridging inequalities, and unlocking opportunities for Mandera County. These computers will be distributed to recently established I hubs at our three vocational training centres: Mandera Town Vocational Technical Training Center (80 units), Elwak Vocational Technical Training Center (40 units), and Banisa Vocational Technical Training Center (30 units). Each facility is fully equipped with ICT infrastructure, fibre internet connectivity, and security—ensuring accessibility for all youths and citizens. The County Government, in collaboration with the ICT Authority (ICTA), will oversee the sustainable management of these resources," he said.
He then called on other partners to support the operationalisation of additional vocational centres to ensure comprehensive coverage across all seven sub-counties of Mandera.
The project is expected to have a significant impact on the lives of thousands of people in the County, enabling them to access education, healthcare, government services, and economic opportunities.
Director General of the Communications Authority (CA), David Mugonyi, 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 the internet to the less privileged in society, those who are marginalized," Mr Mugonyi said and reiterated CA's commitment to ensuring that underserved and unserved areas gain access to fibre optic infrastructure, enabling internet access for all.
He added that the initiative supplements the government's digital superhighway programme, which aims to expand connectivity across the country.
"This partnership with the UK Government is a testament to our shared commitment to digital inclusion. By providing 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," KICTANet Chief Executive Officer Dr Grace Githaiga said.
Busia County benefitted from a similar programme in September last year offering foundational digital literacy skills to farmers and other citizens to enable them to use digital tools and platforms to access relevant content and services.
Over 6,000 youth have been trained on basic digital literacy and they have in turn cascaded the foundational digital literacy skills training to over 150,000 community members out of a target of 500,000 in Nairobi and Busia counties. Today's computers are set to benefit about 200,000 locals by the end of March 2025 in Mandera County alone.
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