Counties across Kenya are scaling up digital literacy by pairing Community Digital Champions (CDCs) with Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs). The initiative aims to empower youth, women, and cooperatives with foundational tech skills and entrepreneurial opportunities.
Dr. Grace Githaiga, CEO of KICTANet, highlighted the transformative potential of the Enhancing Digital Access and Community Resilience (EDACR) project. “Counties can actually learn from the CDCs’ experience. One of the things the CDC will also do is an online course on AI delivered by London-based Otermans Institute… it covers ethics, disinformation, and how to identify propaganda,” she said.
The OIAI platform is accessible via computer or mobile devices on browsers such as Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge. Speaking to Mandera County officials led by Deputy County Secretary Mr. Hassannor Adan, Dr. Grace noted that CDCs trained under the Strengthening Digital Communities Project will cascade these skills to VSLA members. She stressed that digital literacy is essential for participating in the digital economy, accessing online services, and staying informed.
Mandera officials were told they have an infrastructure advantage. “Those computers, 150 donated to Mandera, are gateways for VSLAs to learn more effectively… it creates a one-stop center for citizens to access training,” Dr. Grace explained.
Empowering Youth and Women
KICTANet is focusing on youth creativity and women-led VSLAs. From TikTok content creators to online crocheting businesses, participants are encouraged to explore digital entrepreneurship. “We are looking forward to them becoming digital entrepreneurs in whichever way,” Dr. Grace told a joint townhall meeting with VSLAs and CDCs held in Mandera town.
Community members are already seeing results. “Before, I used to pay a lot at the cyber just to apply for a birth certificate. Now I can do it myself online. It saves me money and time,” said a VSLA member. A women’s VSLA leader added: “We thought digital skills were only for the youth. But now, even our small group can sell vegetables and cereals and reach customers outside the county.”
Mandera’s Trade and Cooperative Objectives
The EDACR project aligns with Mandera County’s Trade and Cooperative Development goals for 2026, from the Third Annual Development Plan that implements the third County Integrated Development Plan 2023-2027(CIDP) which include:
- Increasing the ease of doing business index by 40% through policy reforms, market infrastructure upgrades, and new business incubators.
- Expanding access to business financing for MSMEs by 50.96%, with sharia-compliant trade and cooperative funds.
- Growing cooperatives by 48%, with capacity building, exposure visits, startup kits, and modern cooperative exhibition halls to enhance commercialization and value addition.
Building Digital Communities
Modules taught at the community level include operating digital devices, making social connections, doing business, accessing government services, cyber hygiene, and e-waste management.
The long-term vision is to see cooperatives evolve into stronger institutions. By embedding AI ethics, cyber hygiene, and online business skills at the grassroots, Mandera Country and 7 other target counties are laying the foundation for inclusive digital economies while advancing Mandera’s 2026 trade and cooperative development agenda.
The joint meeting was attended by the Chief Officer for Revenue Services, Mr. Kassim Yussuf; the Chief Officer for Youth and Sports, Mr. Abdulwahab Mohamed; together with directors from various county departments.