On 7 October 2024, the Digital Platforms Kenya (DigiKen) initiative will be officially launched at the Villa Rose Kempinski in Nairobi. This event will kick off with an inception workshop for the UN Joint SDG Programme, featuring Team Europe partners. Here’s what you need to know about this transformative initiative.
What is Digital Platforms Kenya (DigiKen)?
DigiKen, short for Digital Platforms Kenya, is a groundbreaking 36-month initiative led by the UN in collaboration with a consortium of partners.
Key Goals of DigiKen
The primary aim is to develop homegrown digital platforms that can significantly contribute to Kenya’s sustainable social and economic development. This initiative is especially focused on supporting vulnerable groups, including:
- Women
- Youth
- Communities in arid and semi-arid regions
- Urban informal settlements
Why is the Digital Platform Economy Important?
The digital platform economy is rapidly expanding, with projections indicating that by 2030, platforms will mediate over 30% of global economic activity—approximately US$ 60 trillion.
Role of Platforms in Economic Growth
Platforms like Amazon, M-PESA, Uber, and Facebook are vital for social, economic, and political processes. DigiKen aims to harness this potential to promote inclusive growth in Kenya.
Main Objectives of the DigiKen Initiative
DigiKen has several ambitious goals aimed at transforming the digital landscape in Kenya:
- Support for MSMEs: The initiative will assist 150 Kenyan Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in securing financing to develop their digital platform businesses.
- Capacity Building: Over 20,000 government officials will receive training to spearhead Kenya’s digital transformation.
- Digital Innovation Hubs: Establishment of 15 Digital Innovation Hubs will provide training in digital skills, media literacy, and sustainable AI technologies.
- Job Creation: By 2027, DigiKen aims to create approximately 4,500 direct jobs and 20,000 indirect jobs, impacting over two million Kenyan users of digital platforms.
How DigiKen Contributes to Kenya’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
DigiKen aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework for Kenya. Its primary focus is to accelerate Kenya’s progress toward achieving its SDGs.
Key Contributions
- Expanding Partnerships: DigiKen will strengthen collaborations between public and private sectors.
- Enhancing the Digital Ecosystem: The initiative will ensure that the benefits of digital transformation reach underserved communities.
Key Players in the DigiKen Initiative
DigiKen is spearheaded by the UN Resident Coordinator and implemented by a consortium of UN agencies. This includes:
- UNESCO (lead agency)
- UNCDF
- UN Women
- UNEP
Additionally, partnerships with the Kenya Ministry of ICT and the Digital Economy, along with Team Europe (notably the GIZ Digital Transformation Center Kenya and the Estonian Centre for International Development), play a crucial role.
Support for Kenyan Businesses and Government Officials
DigiKen provides crucial support tailored to the needs of Kenyan businesses and government officials:
- Financial Access: The initiative will assist 150 Kenyan MSMEs in identifying and accessing new financial opportunities for developing local digital platforms.
- Training for Officials: Over 20,000 government officials will be trained to lead inclusive and sustainable digital transformations, while safeguarding human rights in digital environments.
Training Offered by Digital Innovation Hubs
The 15 Digital Innovation Hubs will offer comprehensive training in various areas:
- Media and Information Literacy
- Digital Skills Development
- Digital Platform Entrepreneurship
- Sustainable AI Technologies
This training aims to empower communities, especially those at risk of being left behind in the digital era.
Expected Long-Term Impacts of DigiKen
DigiKen aims to cultivate a robust, homegrown digital platform ecosystem that propels Kenya’s sustainable development. By 2027, it hopes to achieve:
- Job Creation: Significant growth in employment opportunities.
- Digital Literacy: Enhanced digital skills among the population.
- Entrepreneurship Growth: Support for local entrepreneurs to thrive.
- Equitable Access: Ensure all Kenyans have access to digital tools and services.
Objectives of the Launch Event
The launch event has three primary objectives:
- Official Introduction: To introduce the Joint Programme and its overarching goals.
- Consolidate Partnerships: To foster cooperation frameworks between key stakeholders.
- Stakeholder Engagement: To develop a detailed work plan for the next 36 months, breaking it into short-term (3 months), medium-term (9 months), and long-term (21 months) phases of implementation.
Conclusion: Get Involved with DigiKen
The Digital Platforms Kenya initiative is a significant step forward for Kenya’s digital landscape. This is an opportunity for everyone—businesses, government officials, and communities—to participate in a transformative journey.
Join us on this path to digital empowerment. Together, we can shape a brighter future for Kenya.
