Kenya Accelerates Digital Skills Training Efforts Nationwide
Kenya is dramatically scaling up its digital skills training initiatives across all 47 counties, launching what government officials describe as the most ambitious digital literacy campaign in Africa’s history. The accelerated effort includes establishing 1,000 new digital hubs in underserved areas, deploying mobile training units to remote communities, and integrating advanced technology education into secondary schools and vocational training centers nationwide. This nationwide push aims to bridge the digital divide that threatens to leave millions behind as Kenya transitions to a fully digital economy, with the goal of equipping 10 million citizens with essential digital competencies by 2027.
The expanded program builds on existing initiatives but introduces several innovative approaches, including partnerships with telecommunications companies to provide subsidized data packages for learners, the development of digital skills curricula in local languages, and the creation of digital champions in every ward who will provide peer-to-peer training support. We cannot afford to have a two-tiered society where some Kenyans thrive in the digital economy while others are left completely behind, said Cabinet Secretary for ICT and Digital Economy, Eliud Owalo, during the launch of the acceleration phase in Kisumu. This is about creating equal opportunity for every citizen, regardless of where they live or their educational background.
The private sector is playing a crucial role in this accelerated effort, with major technology companies committing resources, expertise, and job placement opportunities for program graduates. A consortium of Kenyan tech firms has pledged to train 50,000 software developers over the next three years, while mobile network operators are developing specialized learning platforms accessible on low-cost smartphones. This acceleration comes at exactly the right moment, noted Linda Kamau, co-founder of a Nairobi-based tech training academy. The demand for digitally skilled workers is growing exponentially, and these expanded programs will help ensure that Kenyan talent can meet that demand both locally and in the global marketplace.
The long-term success of this accelerated initiative will depend on sustainable funding, quality assurance, and strong linkages to economic opportunities. The government has established a Digital Skills Development Fund with initial capitalization of KSh 20 billion and is working with employers to create clear pathways from training to employment. This is not just about teaching people how to use computers—it’s about connecting skills to livelihoods, emphasized CS Owalo. Every training program we launch includes components on entrepreneurship, job readiness, and access to digital work platforms. As Kenya continues its rapid digital transformation, this nationwide skills acceleration effort represents a crucial investment in the human capital needed to build a truly inclusive digital future.