Huawei Kenya Supported Digital Hubs In Kakamega & Shianda Counties Accelerate Digital Transformation.

On Monday, December 9th, 2024, I had the privilege of attending the Digital Hubs Strategy Conference and the launch of two Digital Hubs at the Kakamega County Polytechnic and St. Paul’s Shianda County Polytechnic.

These events, part of Kenya’s ambitious Digital Superhighway initiative, represent a transformative step towards digital inclusion. Organized collaboratively by the Ministry of ICT and Digital Economy, Konza Technopolis, Huawei Kenya, and other key stakeholders, the conference brought together leaders, educators, and beneficiaries to celebrate and reflect on the progress of this groundbreaking program.

Huawei Kenya played a key role in the establishment of these hubs, ensuring that they are equipped with state-of-the-art technology and connected to high-speed internet. The day’s activities highlighted the power of collaboration between public and private sectors to bridge the digital divide and unlock opportunities for education, entrepreneurship, and economic growth.

Event Highlights: A Day of Milestones

The conference began with the official launch of the Kakamega Digital Hub at Kakamega County Polytechnic. Prime Cabinet Secretary H.E. Dr. Musalia Mudavadi, E.G.H., unveiled the Digital Hub and delivered remarks that emphasized the Kenyan Government’s commitment to integrating technology into education and livelihoods. He was joined by an esteemed delegation, including:

• Dr. Margaret Nyambura Ndung’u, Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of ICT and Digital Economy.
• FCPA Hon. Fernandes Barasa, Governor of Kakamega County.
• Eng. John Tanui, PS, State Department of ICT and Digital Economy.
• Prof. Edward Kisiangani, PS, State Department of Broadcasting.
• Dr. Beatrice Inyangala, PS, State Department of Higher Education.
• John Paul Okwiri, CEO of Konza Technopolis.

In her speech, Dr. Margaret Nyambura Ndung’u, CS Ministry of ICT and Digital Economy, stated that the Digital Superhighway is the backbone of Kenya’s transformation. She noted that through the digital hubs, Kenya is equipping its youth with the tools they need to succeed in a digital-first world. She also stated that this is a collective effort only made possible through partners like Huawei Kenya and she also highlighted that partnerships are the cornerstone of achieving the Kenyan Government’s ambitious digital goals.

A key highlight was Huawei’s announcement that it had achieved its 2022 pledge to connect 120 million people in remote areas one year ahead of the December 2025 target. In his speech, Steven Zhang, Deputy CEO, Huawei Kenya expressed his pride in supporting Kenya’s Digital Superhighway initiative. He noted that by providing advanced technology, training, and connectivity, Huawei Kenya aims to empower communities to realize their full potential.

Huawei’s contributions to the Kakamega Digital Hub include connecting it to the government’s high-speed fibre-optic network (NOFBI), providing eight Wi-Fi Access Points for campus-wide internet coverage, and equipping the facility with a smart screen for enhanced teaching. Konza Technopolis added 50 computers to the hub, and partners collaborated to train ICT trainers and upskill students.

At St. Paul’s Shianda County Polytechnic, another Digital Hub was inaugurated, extending the reach and impact of this initiative. Both digital hubs aim to provide residents with access to digital learning, digital skills training, and opportunities for remote work, significantly enhancing the region’s economic prospects.

Voices on the Ground: Insights & Testimonials.

The transformative potential of the digital hubs came to life through the various conversations I had with stakeholders and beneficiaries, as follows:

• Julia Opoti, Principal at St. Paul’s Shianda County Polytechnic: Julia highlighted the pivotal role of the Digital Hub in transforming the institution. Julia expressed gratitude to partners like Huawei, Konza City, and the Ministry of ICT for enhancing their trainees’ ICT knowledge. According to her, initially, trainees struggled with basic computer and internet skills, but now, with the support of the digital hub, they can use computers, access the internet, and engage in research and content creation. The institution has 544 trainees, 17 ICT-compliant trainers, and 5 ICT-compliant teaching staff, offering theoretical, practical, and online courses that ensure trainees are technologically up to date.
• Carolyn Kamete, Principal at Kakamega County Polytechnic: Caroline Kamite Ambani, Principal of Kakamega County Polytechnic, shared the impact of their digital hub that was launched with Huawei Kenya’s support. The digital hub, operational for a year, has tripled enrollment from 200 to 668 trainees, improved youth and women empowerment, job opportunities, and communication. The digital hub allows one trainer to manage up to 70 students and facilitates international market linkages. She also pointed out how the launch event was celebrated by national and international partners, highlighting her polytechnic’s enhanced visibility and potential for broader impact across Kenya.
• Hon. Victoria Zillah, MCA at Kakamega County: Hon. Victoria Zillah, an MCA from Kakamega County, discussed the impact of the digital hub project at the Kakamega County Polytechnic. According to her, the digital hub has significantly increased student enrollment from under 300 to nearly 700. It has enhanced learning through online resources and training, including ICT skills and website creation. She also stated that the Kakamega County government is now committed to improving infrastructure to accommodate the growing number of students. In addition, the digital hub has also attracted additional training partners like Huawei Kenya and Stanbic Foundation, which have further boosted the polytechnic’s capacity. Hon. Zillah emphasized the need for more funding in education to replicate such models and encouraged youth to leverage online opportunities for better livelihoods.

• Sharon Nekesa, Student at St. Paul’s Shianda County Polytechnic: Sharon shared how she’s been using online freelance platforms to earn money online by watching videos, playing games, and browsing content. She has earned $20 so far, which she received via M-Pesa. Sharon also expressed her gratitude towards the Kenyan Government for launching the digital hub that has positively impacted her ability to support her personal needs. The digital hub has also provided her with an additional income stream, enabling her to be self-sufficient.
• Silas Mulama, Student at St. Paul’s Shianda County Polytechnic: Silas shared how access to the Digital Hub has changed his academic and personal trajectory. He is using a digital work platform to do small tasks and micro gigs, such as watching and screenshotting videos. He earns money for completed tasks, which he deposits into his digital wallet. Silas also mentioned his education in computer programming, including web development using WordPress, and his aspiration to create his own website in the future. He expressed gratitude for the Kenyan Government’s initiative in providing the digital hub, which he believes will motivate more youth to engage in the digital economy and sustain their lives through digital work.
• Evans Akoko, Centre Manager at St. Paul’s Shianda County Polytechnic: Evans spoke about the operational side of the Digital Hub where he oversees training activities and community mobilization to engage youth in digital skills training and mentorship. Through their efforts, trainees have gained the ability to earn from digital work platforms after completing comprehensive digital technical skills training and mentorship sessions. The program offers various skill modules for trainees to choose from, ensuring they receive tailored training to meet their interests and career goals.
• Adam Lane, Huawei Kenya Representative: Adam provided detailed insights into Huawei Kenya’s involvement in the Digital Hubs. He discussed their collaboration with ITU during COVID-19 to fund research on post-pandemic technology-driven recovery. Kenya, one of 15 countries involved, lacked fiber connectivity for some institutions. Huawei Kenya’s project aimed to connect 120 million people to high-speed broadband, contributing to this goal by setting up digital hubs in TVETs and providing connectivity and computers. The project involved national and county governments, the private sector, and academia. An evaluation by Strathmore University and the Communication Authority showed increased ICT enrollment, improved teaching, and a modernized perception of TVETs, with many earning money online, particularly benefiting women in rural areas.

The Impact of the Digital Hubs: Scaling Opportunities in Kenya.

The Digital Hubs are designed to be more than just access points for technology; they are engines of digital transformation, at scale, in Kenya. Here are some of the highlights:

1. Improved Access to ICT Resources: Before the hubs’ establishment, only 20% of students at Kakamega County Polytechnic had access to ICT resources. This number has now risen to 80%, enabling the integration of compulsory ICT courses for all students.
2. Economic Empowerment: Students like Sharon Nekesa have leveraged these hubs to earn income through online platforms, showcasing their potential to drive self-sufficiency.
3. Enhanced Education Quality: The addition of smart screens, Wi-Fi access, and computers has made institutions more attractive to students, increasing enrollment by 30% on average and expanding the variety of courses offered.
4. Community Engagement: The hubs serve not only students but also local communities, offering resources for online jobs, content creation, and access to essential services like health and financial management.
5. Global Connectivity: Huawei’s contribution to connecting these hubs to the NOFBI fibre-optic network ensures that rural areas are not left behind in the digital revolution.
6. Trainer Upskilling: Huawei has facilitated advanced ICT training for over 50 trainers nationwide, enabling them to deliver high-quality education to thousands of students.
7. Weekly Usage Metrics: Combined, the hubs in Kakamega and St. Paul’s Shianda serve over 500 students and community members each week, highlighting their impact as vital community resources.

Looking Ahead: A Digital Roadmap for Kenya’s Future of Work.

The Digital Hubs Strategy Conference served as a forum to evaluate progress and chart the path forward. Stakeholders discussed the need for further collaboration, sharing best practices, and scaling the initiative to reach more communities across Kenya. As Dr. Margaret Nyambura Ndung’u aptly stated in her speech, “If you wish to go fast, go alone, but if you wish to go far, go together.” This African proverb captures the essence of the partnerships driving this initiative.

As Kenya continues its journey towards digital transformation, the success of the Kakamega County Polytechnic and St. Paul’s Shianda County Polytechnic Digital Hubs serve as a compelling example of what is possible when the public and private sectors unite for a common goal. Huawei Kenya’s role in this story is not just that of a technology provider but a catalyst for change, empowering communities to thrive in the digital age and personally I can’t wait to see what comes next!