Kenya is ramping up efforts to strengthen its digital transformation agenda through strategic partnerships with local academic institutions, according to ICT Cabinet Secretary William Kabogo Gitau.
In a recent update, Kabogo reaffirmed the government’s commitment to building local technical capacity by collaborating with universities as key implementation partners in national digital projects aligned with President William Ruto’s vision.
During an inspection visit, Kabogo reviewed the ongoing assembly of 3,000 digital devices at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, with an additional 7,000 devices being assembled simultaneously at Moi University. The devices are expected to be completed within three weeks and will be distributed to digital innovation hubs nationwide, boosting infrastructure and access to digital services.
The rollout builds on an existing base of over 20,000 devices already deployed across more than 300 hubs. The government aims to scale this initiative significantly, targeting the establishment of 1,450 digital innovation hubs across the country—ensuring at least one hub per ward. This expansion is expected to enhance digital inclusion, bridge the connectivity gap, and unlock economic opportunities for citizens.
The initiative is being implemented in collaboration with Members of the National Assembly, who are supporting the construction of digital hub facilities through the National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF). This approach is designed to foster local ownership and ensure the long-term sustainability of the hubs.
Key stakeholders present during the inspection included JKUAT Council Chairman Dr. James Micah Onsando, Vice Chancellor Prof. Victoria Wambui Ngumi, and senior university officials, alongside ICT Authority CEO Jessy Kiveu Maruti and representatives from KONZA Technopolis. Their participation underscores the multi-stakeholder collaboration driving Kenya’s digital transformation efforts.
