Economy • Feb 07, 2025

UN unveils 15 digital innovation hubs in Kenya

The 15 centers of innovation are poised to drive the growth of Kenya's digital economy while enhancing equity and inclusivity. (UNESCO-UNEVOC/Youssouph)

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An alliance of United Nations agencies has announced the shortlisting of 15 centers of innovation that are poised to drive the growth of Kenya's digital economy while enhancing equity and inclusivity.

The 15 centers of innovation were shortlisted out of 50 applicants who sought shortlisting in December last year. According to UN, their evaluation was largely based on their potential to power digital innovation, empower women and youth from Kenya's marginalized regions and enhance entrepreneurship, which is critical in job creation.

"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," said John Tanui, principal secretary in the Ministry of Information, Communication and Digital Economy.

He added that the 15 digital innovation hubs are tasked with providing a platform to champion sustainable development, innovation, and enterprise.

In a joint statement by UN agencies and the government, this initiative is modelled under a three-year UN initiative dubbed Digital Platforms Kenya. The programme seeks to ensure that these centers help position the country as a centre of knowledge economy in the region and across the world.

UN resident coordinator in Kenya Stephen Jackson noted that the digital innovation centres will be a key plank in the realization of sustainable development goals. He added that they will also go a long way in benefiting the often marginalized groups such as women, youth, and pastoralist communities.

“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," explained Jackson.

The selected digital innovation hubs are set to serve as the engines of bridging the country's digital divide, driving innovation, training, and community empowerment.

Spread across different counties, the digital centers are equally charged with providing ethical application of new technologies such as artificial intelligence. They will also offer bespoke training on essential digital skills, while also promoting critical thinking among the learners.

In addition, the digital centers would support upcoming entrepreneurs to establish, develop and scale up digital businesses to spur economic growth, open opportunities for jobs, and foster cohesion, the UN agencies explained.

Projections show that these digital innovation centres will give rise to 4,500 direct jobs and 20,000 indirect jobs in two years. Additionally, over 20,000 government officials and citizens will gain the skills needed to lead and participate in Kenya’s digital transformation.

The Selected Digital Innovation Hubs: –