What happens when a community long excluded from the digital economy begins to write its own story of transformation? In Garissa County, the answer is unfolding through grassroots ownership of digital change.
KICTANet, in partnership with the UK Government’s Digital Access Programme through the Enhanced Digital Access and Community Resilience (EDACR) project, is working with Community Digital Champions to equip Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs), cooperatives, and households with foundational digital literacy skills. These skills are unlocking new pathways to e‑commerce, financial services, and improved livelihoods that reach far beyond Garissa County.
This effort is aligned with Garissa County’s vision “Together, Building a Vibrant and Inclusive Garissa for All.”
At the Garissa townhall, ICT & E‑Governance Chief Officer Mahfud Abdullahi engaged Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs) and cooperative leaders on digital inclusion and governance opportunities.
Community Voices on Challenges
“We want to connect, but the network disappears once you leave town,” one elder explained, shaking his head. Poor coverage and slow internet speeds remain a constant barrier. Another participant added, “Even when the signal is there, the bundles are too expensive. We choose between food and data.”
Electricity was another recurring theme. “Our homes depend on solar generators, but when the sun fails us, so does the power. How can we keep devices charged?” asked a women’s group leader.
Others pointed to the high cost of smartphones and laptops. “Most of us still use feature phones. The few who have smartphones fear breaking them because repairs are costly,” said a youth representative.
Digital literacy gaps were voiced with honesty. “We are afraid of making mistakes when using mobile apps. Some of us don’t even know how to open a SACCO banking app,” admitted a cooperative member. The lack of training opportunities leaves many feeling excluded.
Documentation and financial linkages also surfaced as pain points. “Getting legal documents is hectic and expensive. Without them, we cannot access funds. Even when we register as self-help groups, Sharia compliance limits our options,” explained a community treasurer.
Community members in Garissa gathered for the EDACR VSLA meeting, engaging in dialogue on digital skills, financial inclusion, and grassroots ownership of digital transformation.
Community Voices on Opportunities
Yet, amid these challenges, the tone shifted when participants spoke of what technology could unlock. “If we could sell our farm produce online, we would reach more customers beyond Garissa,” said a farmer. Another added, “Advertising on digital platforms can bring more consumers. It makes work easier.”
Young people saw potential in digital creativity. “We can develop applications, games, even software. Why not from Garissa?” one youth asked with pride.
Digital financial services were seen as both a challenge and a promise. “Yes, mobile banking apps confuse us now, but once we learn, we can transact money easily. Imagine paying school fees or buying goods without traveling far,” said a mother of three at the interactive townhall session with Village Savings and Loans Associations (VLSAs), and Cooperative Leaders Meeting hosted at Niehub with the Garissa National Library grounds,
Others highlighted the multipurpose nature of smartphones. “At night, it is our torch. During the day, it is our pride. With it, we can learn, transact, and connect,” one participant said.
The community also recognized broader opportunities:
- Boosting e-commerce and digital payments like M-Pesa
- Accessing government services—education, healthcare—without long travel
- Improving efficiency in industries through remote work and digital tools
- Creating digital content and marketing products to wider audiences
At the Garissa VSLA meeting hosted under the EDACR project, Chief Officer for Cooperatives and SMEs, Ms. Khatra Mohamed Duale, listened to community voices on digital literacy, financial inclusion, and grassroots transformation.
Empowering Communities through Digital Champions
Through the EDACR project implemented by KICTANet, these aspirations are being translated into action. Community Digital Champions (CDCs) are being trained to walk alongside Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs), cooperatives, and community groups, equipping members with the skills to transform their lives.
- Economic Inclusion Programme (EIP) participants and their households will gain foundational digital literacy skills to access services and improve livelihoods.
- Non-EIP participants will also be equipped with digital literacy, enhancing their ability to engage with platforms and services.
- Households engaged through cooperatives will benefit from inclusive training, ensuring no one is left behind in the digital shift.
As one cooperative leader reflected, “If our members learn how to use digital tools, we will not only save money but also grow our businesses. The CDCs will be our teachers, our guides.”
The EDACR project also commits to producing knowledge products that capture lessons from empowered and digitally literate communities. Position papers, conference papers, white papers, journal articles, webinars, outcome reports, and websites will document the journey.
As one elder concluded, “We may be far from Nairobi, but technology can bring Nairobi closer to us. If we are trained, if we are supported, we will use it to change our lives.”