County Creates Digital Hubs for Students in Low-Income Nairobi Areas

Nairobi City County has launched a digital inclusion drive that promises to bring technology access closer to youths across low-income neighborhoods. Central to the initiative is the Jericho Incubation Hub, unveiled in Harambee Ward, Makadara Sub-County, which offers free digital literacy training, startup incubation, mentorship, and innovation spaces for young people.
The hub is part of Nairobi’s broader innovation agenda under the county’s Digital Economy and Startups strategy, which includes plans to establish such innovation centres in all 85 wards over time. Local officials say these hubs are critical in bridging the digital divide by equipping residents with in-demand skills, facilitating entrepreneurship, and creating pathways for socio-economic mobility. In parallel, a Training-of-Trainers (TOT) program is underway, where trainers will be deployed across the county to ensure broader reach and sustainability.
The move builds on earlier partnerships with educational institutions. In 2023, Nairobi County teamed up with Moringa School and World Vision to train young people (18–30 years old) in foundational digital skills such as coding, web development, and data science. Forty-five participants received certificates following a six-week intensive training, underscoring the county’s commitment to inclusive capacity building.
Local leaders say this initiative could be a game-changer for underserved communities in Nairobi: by decentralizing access to technology and digital education, the county aims to transform low-income neighborhoods into innovation hubs. The long-term vision includes scaling these centers into hybrid innovation academies where youth can learn, launch startups, and access mentorship — making digital empowerment a reality for every ward in Nairobi.