Kenya is taking bold steps to secure its place at the forefront of the digital transformation with the selection of 15 Digital Innovation Hubs (DiHs) under UN Joint SDG Fund Programme Digiken (Digital Platforms Kenya). This initiative led by the UN Resident Coordinator and a consortium of UN Agencies, UNESCO (lead agency), UNCDF, UN Women, and UNEP in close cooperation with Kenya’s Ministry of Information, Communication and Digital Economy (MoICDE) aims to harness the power of homegrown digital platforms to drive sustainable and inclusive development in Kenya. Other partners include the Kenya School of Government, Directorate of Training and Human Capital Development, Green Digital Innovation Hub (gDiH), GIZ Digital Transformation Center Kenya, the Estonian Centre for International Development among others.

A vision for the future

The Digital Innovation Hubs are more than just training centers—they are the foundation of Kenya's digital future. By empowering individuals, supporting businesses, and fostering collaboration, these hubs will play a critical role in achieving the goals of the DigiKen initiative. They represent a bold vision for a Kenya where digital innovation drives sustainable development, empowers people, creates opportunities for all, and ensures that no one is left behind through youth and women-led entrepreneurship.

"Kenya's Digital Innovation Hubs are crucial for its economic future. Investing in them empowers youth and women with digital skills fueling innovation, and inclusive growth – Kenya's key vision 2030. The government is firmly committed to supporting these vital engines of progress" said Eng. John Tanui, MBS, Principal Secretary, Ministry of Information, Communication and Digital Economy.

"Digital innovation is a powerful catalyst for sustainable development, and through these 15 Digital Innovation Hubs, we are ensuring that Kenya's digital transformation is inclusive, equitable, and far-reaching. By empowering young people, women, and marginalized communities with the skills and resources to thrive in the digital economy, we are not only bridging the digital divide but also unlocking Kenya’s vast potential for homegrown innovation and entrepreneurship", said Dr. Stephen Jackson, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Kenya.

Selected Digital Innovation Hubs

Following a nationwide call for applications launched in December 2024, over 50 submissions were reviewed based on their potential to drive digital innovation, foster entrepreneurship, and empower women and youth from marginalized communities and groups in Kenya. After rigorous evaluation exercise, fifteen (15) hubs were selected. The selected Digital Innovation Hubs will serve as the engines of innovation, training, and community empowerment, bridging the digital divide and creating opportunities for underserved communities in Kenya.  

The Selected Digital Innovation Hubs

• Nambale NG-CDF Ajira Youth Empowerment Centre (Busia County)
• Northern Innovation and Empowerment Hub - NieHub (Garissa County)
• Isiolo Youth Innovation Centre (Isiolo County)
• Kilifi Innovation Hub (Kilifi County)
• Godoma Technical Institute (Kilifi County)
• WISEHub – Women, Build, Lead, Win (Kisumu County)
• Lake Hub (Kisumu County)
• Mandera Innovation Hub (Mandera County)
• Swahili Pot Hub Foundation (Mombasa County)
• Pwani Teknowgalz (Mombasa County)
• Africa Media Hub- Strathmore University Business School (Nairobi County)
• PC Kinyanjui Technical Training Institute (Nairobi County)
• Othaya NGCDF AYEC (Nyeri County)
• Kijiji Connect ICT Hub (Tana River County)
• Tegla Loroupe Skill-Based Training Center (West Pokot County)

Benefits of digital transformation

These prioritized hubs will play a pivotal role in driving Kenya's sustainable development and ensuring the benefits of digital transformation reach every corner of the nation in three key areas:

• Empowering underserved groups: The hubs will provide tailored training programmes to equip women, youth, and marginalized communities with essential digital skills, including on media and information literacy, critical thinking, and the ethical use of AI and emerging technologies.
• Nurturing entrepreneurs: The Hubs will support aspiring entrepreneurs, in particular women and youth-led entrepreneurs, to develop and scale local digital platform businesses, fostering innovation and creating economic opportunities.
• Promoting inclusive growth: By aligning Kenya's digital transformation with global sustainability standards, the hubs will strengthen inclusive participation in the digital economy.

The impact of DigiKen

The Digital Innovation Hubs (DiHs) are an important component of the DigiKen Joint Programme which is expected to have a transformative impact on Kenya’s digital landscape, namely:

• Job creation: By 2027, DigiKen aims to create 4,500 direct jobs and 20,000 indirect jobs, significantly boosting Kenya's economy.
• Digital literacy: Over 20,000 government officials and countless citizens will gain the skills needed to lead and participate in Kenya's digital transformation.
• Inclusive growth: By targeting vulnerable groups, DigiKen will ensure equitable distribution of digital innovation benefits, reducing inequality and fostering social cohesion.
• Innovation and entrepreneurship: DigiKen will nurture a new generation of digital entrepreneurs, driving local innovation and positioning Kenya as a leader in the global digital economy.