The Kenyan government has announced plans to prioritize the development of locally built digital platforms as part of a broader strategy to expand youth employment and strengthen the country’s digital economy. Through the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology (ICT), the initiative seeks to create opportunities for young innovators while reducing reliance on foreign-owned digital platforms.
Speaking during an engagement with local content creators at the Siaya Community Digital Hub in Bondo sub-county, ICT Principal Secretary John Tanui said the government is accelerating the growth of homegrown platforms under the Digican program. The initiative aims to position locally developed digital solutions at the heart of Kenya’s digital transformation agenda.
PS Tanui revealed that Kenya is set to launch a new locally developed digital platform within the next two months. He noted that several other digital innovations are already progressing toward commercialization, highlighting the country’s growing capacity to develop competitive digital products.
According to Tanui, global platforms such as Facebook and TikTok have played a significant role in enabling Kenyan youth to monetize online content. However, he stressed that investing in locally owned platforms is essential for long-term sustainability, digital sovereignty, and economic resilience.
The government is also expanding the rollout of digital hubs across the country, with a plan to establish at least one hub in every ward. These hubs will function as digital training centers and business process outsourcing (BPO) facilities aimed at equipping young people with practical technology skills.
Dagoreti South Member of Parliament John Kiarie, who chairs the National Assembly’s Committee on Communication, Information and Innovation, confirmed that the government has already commissioned 47 digital innovation hubs across all counties. The hubs are expected to play a crucial role in nurturing local talent and supporting digital entrepreneurship.
Chief Executive Officer of the Siaya Community Digital Hub Tabitha Ogutu welcomed the government’s commitment to strengthening innovation ecosystems. She emphasized that the hub aims to create digital jobs and position Siaya County as a leader in digital transformation.
Ogutu further noted that digital literacy is essential for community empowerment, warning that societies lacking digital skills risk economic marginalization. She said the hub’s mission is to equip youth with the knowledge and tools needed to participate in the digital economy.
Meanwhile, William Ruto is expected to attend a summit in Bondo on March 10, 2026, where the government will showcase progress in digital skills development, infrastructure expansion, and the creation of locally owned digital platforms that could reshape Kenya’s digital future.
