Over the past decade, the Kenyan government has invested heavily to make the country a technological hub in East Africa. It wants to reach even greater heights with the support of various partners. 

On Thursday, October 5 in Nairobi, the European Union (EU) Commission launched a €430 million digital package aimed at extending connectivity in Kenyan schools, creating a green digital innovation center, and supporting the government in its digital transition.

The package, unveiled during the official visit of the European Union's Commissioner for International Partnerships, Jutta Urpilainen, underlines the EU's commitment to Kenya's technological transformation.

"Expanding digital connectivity, upskilling jobs, and driving digital governance and services is at the heart of what our investment strategy is about: Creating sustainable connections and local added value while cutting unsustainable dependencies," said Jutta Urpilainen.

The launch of this digital package in Kenya is part of Europe's Global Gateway strategy, an initiative of the European Commission to advance the dual digital and green transition and provide reliable, sustainable connections to partner countries.

In Kenya, the initiative will reduce the digital divide by providing Internet access to around 1,300 schools in remote areas. A grant of 9.8 million euros will fund the development of infrastructure and digital educational skills and services in schools in 47 counties. These will benefit over 219,000 children as part of the GIGA program, a global initiative set up by the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).

The package will also enable the creation of a green digital innovation cluster supported by the EU and Germany, as well as e-government initiatives in partnership with Estonia and Germany, and participation in Govstack, an innovative community project formed as part of a multilateral partnership between Germany, Estonia, ITU, and Digital Impact Alliance.

According to William Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya, the aim of the partnership with the European Union is to create a link that will contribute to sustainable development, the empowerment of the most disadvantaged, and the promotion of good governance and the rule of law in the country.

Samira Njoya