The government through the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has announced plans to accelerate the development of locally built digital platforms, positioning them at the center of Kenya’s digital economy strategy.
Principal Secretary for ICT John Tanui said the initiative is part of the ministry’s Digican program, which aims to reduce reliance on international platforms and create new opportunities for young innovators.
Speaking during an engagement with local content creators at the Siaya Community Digital Hub in Bondo sub-county, he revealed that Kenya will launch a new digital platform within the next two months, and that many others are maturing toward commercialization.
PS Tanui emphasized that while global platforms like Facebook and TikTok have enabled the youth to monetize content, Kenya must invest in homegrown solutions to ensure resilience and sustainability.
The government is also rolling out digital hubs in every ward nationwide, designed to serve as training centers and business process outsourcing (BPO) facilities.
These hubs are expected to equip young people with digital skills and connect them to online opportunities.
Dagoreti South MP John Kiarie who chairs the National Assembly’s Committee on Communication, Information and Innovation, said the state has already commissioned 47 digital innovation hubs across all counties.
Chief Executive Officer of the Siaya Community Digital Hub Tabitha Ogutu, welcomed the government’s focus on innovation, saying the hub’s vision is to create digital jobs and ensure Siaya becomes a leader in digital transformation.
She said that for any community without digital literacy, marginalization is inevitable, adding that their agenda is to empower youth through digital employment.
President William Ruto is expected to attend the summit in Bondo on March 10, 2026, where the government will showcase progress in digital skilling, infrastructure, and the development of locally owned platforms that could redefine Kenya’s digital future.
