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Published on July 22, 2024

DigiKen: Empowering Kenya Through Digital Platforms


DigiKen is a transformative initiative harnessing the power of digital platforms to drive sustainable development in Kenya. Led by UNESCO together with UNCDF, UN Women, UNEP, and supported by the Joint SDG Fund, this joint UN programme leverages multi-stakeholder partnerships to foster a thriving digital ecosystem and accelerate progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework for Kenya.

By empowering Kenyans, particularly marginalized communities, to participate fully in the digital economy, DigiKen is unlocking the immense potential of digital platforms. The primary beneficiaries of this initiative are women and girls, youth, and communities in arid and semi-arid regions, as well as urban informal settlements. We are nurturing a new generation of digital entrepreneurs by supporting homegrown digital enterprises, providing them with the necessary resources and expertise to thrive.

To bridge the digital divide, DigiKen is equipping government officials with the digital skills needed to lead inclusive and sustainable digital transformations while protecting human rights. Additionally, we are empowering communities with digital literacy, entrepreneurship training, and sustainable AI technologies through 15 Digital Innovation Hubs.

Through DigiKen, we anticipate creating 4,500 direct jobs (and 20,000 indirect) by 2027, impacting an estimated 2,043,875 Kenyan digital platform users. We are also supporting 150 Kenyan Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises to access financing for digital platform development and providing training to over 20,000 government officials.

From improving access to healthcare and education to promoting gender equality and environmental sustainability, DigiKen is leveraging digital platforms to address pressing social challenges. Together, we are building a Kenya where technology is a catalyst for progress, inclusion, and prosperity.

 

Note:

All joint programs of the Joint SDG Fund are led by UN Resident Coordinators and implemented by the agencies, funds and programmes of the United Nations development system. With sincere appreciation for the contributions from the European Union and Governments of Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Monaco, The Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Republic of Korea, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and our private sector funding partners, for a transformative movement towards achieving the SDGs by 2030.