Kisumu NGO launches drive to boost digital access for marginalised women and girls

Grassroots Trust Coordinator Lawrence Apiyo./FAITH MATETE

A Kisumu-based non-governmental organisation has announced plans to expand digital access for women and girls in rural and marginalised communities by setting up ICT hubs and resource centres that will strengthen their right to information and digital inclusion.

To kick-start the initiative, the organisation has unveiled an unconventional community fundraiser, a fish-eating competition through which it hopes to raise Sh1 million to establish women-centred ICT hubs in informal settlements within Kisumu City and in rural sub-counties such as Seme and Muhoroni.

Grassroots Trust Coordinator Lawrence Apiyo said the initiative is designed to promote environmental conservation and improve women’s access to digital skills.

He noted that fish-eating competitions are culturally rooted in Lake Victoria communities, and the organisation is tapping into that heritage to advance local development.

“This competition is many-fold,” Apiyo said.

He added “We want to conserve Lake Victoria, promote our local culture, and at the same time raise the funds needed to establish a modern ICT hub that specifically targets women in the informal settlements.”

Apiyo noted that fish remains central to the region’s identity and economy.

“Fish has been a source of livelihood in this region,” he said.

Scheduled for the 6th of next month, the event is expected to draw participants from across Kisumu, with proceeds directed toward purchasing ICT equipment for the new hub.

Grassroots Trust has previously established ICT hubs in areas such as Obunga, Kondele, and Manyatta, but women remain underrepresented among users.

“In the past, where we have set up ICT hubs, we noticed that mainly men come forward to seek services,” Apiyo said.

To address this, the organisation plans to set up women-friendly hubs that offer safe, welcoming spaces for women and girls. The hubs will encourage women in clothing businesses, fish trade, groceries and other small enterprises to adopt digital tools to reach more customers and increase their earnings.

Beyond offering workspace, the hubs will provide structured training ranging from basic computer literacy to advanced digital skills needed in modern commerce.

Apiyo said the shift toward local fundraising follows dwindling international donor support. The fish-eating competition, he believes, will rally community members behind efforts to empower women and youth in Kisumu.

“This is our home.If we don’t step forward to support women and youth in Kisumu, no one will do it for us", he said.