Kenya’s arid and semi‑arid lands (ASALs) are often seen as difficult to reach. Through the Empowering Digital Access and Community Resilience (EDACR) project, implemented by KICTANet, these regions are turning into hubs of digital innovation.
EDACR is not about introducing technology from outside. It embeds digital tools into existing community structures—savings groups, cooperatives, and pastoral networks—transforming them into engines of resilience.
On Sunday, 18 January 2026, at the Garissa National Library, KICTANet hosted a Townhall with Community Digital Champions (CDCs). The session focused on digital entrepreneurship and the role of CDCs in driving grassroots innovation.
These champions were trained through the Digitally Enabled Gender Equity and Social Inclusion (DEGESI) project, alongside the Strengthening Digital Communities Project, both funded by the UK Government Digital Access Programme (UK DAP).
“Our goal is to mainstream digital inclusion and strengthen community resilience by equipping beneficiaries with digital literacy, employability skills, access to financial services, and online safety practices,” said Victor Kapiyo, Head of Programmes.
He added that CDCs, especially youth, will create digital employability opportunities, transfer ICT skills to their communities, and raise awareness of digital benefits. This includes safe access to government services, gender equity, and social inclusion; leading to better incomes, food security, and livelihoods.
Local Champions as Digital Bridges
KICTANet’s work with CDCs shows the value of training local residents to adapt technology to everyday needs. Foundational digital literacy includes using devices, productivity tools, communication, online learning, entrepreneurship, video production, cyber hygiene, and e‑waste management. Life skills, mental health, and nutrition complete the framework, ensuring both competence and well‑being.
This peer‑to‑peer model builds trust and ensures adoption is community‑led. CDCs cascade knowledge to Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs), cooperatives, and households, improving livelihoods and access to economic opportunities.
Digitising VSLAs
VSLAs are trusted financial safety nets in ASAL regions. By digitising records and linking them to mobile money, EDACR delivers transparency, faster transactions, and reduced fraud.
Members gain access to micro‑loans for farming inputs or small businesses, strengthening household resilience against shocks.
Partnerships for Sustainability
Partnerships with the Garissa county government, and the Northern Innovation and Empowerment Hub (NieHub), which supports and empowers youth, girls and women in Garissa, Wajir and Mandera through ICT skills embed sustainability. Cooperatives provide ongoing support, while schools integrate digital literacy into curricula, ensuring resilience.