Advancing women’s digital empowerment: DigiKen partners visit the green and digital innovation hub at Konza Technopolis

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DigiKen

As part of efforts to advance inclusive digital transformation in Kenya, Digiken partners comprising the UN Women, UNESCO, UNCDF, and UNEP visited the Green and Digital Innovation Hub (gDIH) at Konza Technopolis, hosted by the African Centre for Technology Studies (ACTS).

DigiKen is a multi-stakeholder programme supported through the UN Joint SDG Fund, designed to enhance a dynamic digital platform economy that promotes good governance, sustainable economic growth, and gender equality.

The engagement aimed to explore areas of collaboration under the DigiKen programme, while showcasing pioneering initiatives that are promoting sustainable digital innovation. The discussions centered around advancing policy research, capacity building, and digital solutions to empower vulnerable communities, with a particular focus on women, youth, and marginalized groups.

Dr. Caroline Mbaya, Project Manager at gDIH, highlighted the Hub’s commitment to nurturing young innovators and entrepreneurs. She emphasized the Hub’s role in equipping youth with the skills, financing, and market access necessary to thrive in Kenya’s digital economy. "We are intentional about helping young innovators connect with financing channels, access market opportunities, and benefit from targeted, skills-based training to thrive in the digital ecosystem," she noted.

Dr. Mbaya, alongside Dr. Winston Ojenge, Head of the African Center for Artificial Intelligence and Innovation (ACAII), also shared insights into the Hub’s efforts to strengthen digital capacities and develop policy frameworks that prioritize sustainability and inclusion. The gDIH team underscored their vision of driving green digital innovations that contribute to Kenya’s journey toward an environmentally sustainable digital economy.

DigiKen

During the visit, the DigiKen partners outlined the programme’s priorities, which include:

  • Enhancing access to financing for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), local startups, and entrepreneurs to deliver digital platform solutions that respond to local needs.
  • Building public sector capacity at both national and county levels to promote inclusive, sustainable, and gender-responsive digital transformation.
  • Strengthening digital skills among vulnerable groups, especially women, girls, youth, and communities in arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs) and urban informal settlements.

"Ensuring that digital innovations are inclusive, sustainable, and aligned to Kenya’s development priorities requires strong partnerships," said Prof. Tom Ogada, Executive Director of ACTS while emphasizing the value of partnerships in driving impactful digital transformation.

Irene Mwoga, UNEP’s Regional Coordinator for the Digital Transformation Programme – Africa, reaffirmed the importance of collaboration. "Innovation flourishes when partnerships are strong. DigiKen’s progress is built on joint efforts, learning from successes at Konza Technopolis and other key initiatives to drive real impact," she stated.

The collaboration between DigiKen and African Centre for Technology Studies, particularly through the Green and Digital Innovation Hub, is a step in ensuring that Kenya’s digital future is inclusive, sustainable, and leaves no one behind. Leveraging ACTS’ leadership in digital innovation and research, the partnership will support a thriving digital economy that empowers women, youth, and marginalized communities while contributing to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.