Germany, EU and Estonia launches centre to support Kenya's digital transition

The European Union and the governments of Germany and Estonia have launched a Sh4 billion Digital Transformation Centre (DTC).

DTC, which aims to make Kenya's digital transformation work for people and businesses, is part of a broader Team Europe Initiative on Human-Centred Digitalisation.

It was launched together with implementing partner Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GiZ) and the government of Kenya.

Speaking during the event, EU Ambassador Henriette Geiger advocated for openness, trust and safety as the framework for the centre.

This, she said, will help create a digital future where technology truly serves the needs of Kenyans.

"This is our offer as Team Europe," she added.

Echoing the message, German Ambassador Sebastian Groth said: 

"Jointly, we can address individual and system biases to increase women's participation in the tech sector and make the internet a safer space."

In a statement on Friday, the Ministry of ICT said DTC's technical assistance offer supports a digital transition that serves people's needs and protects their rights.

It will work with partners on key themes of the Kenya Digital Master Plan 2022 – 2023 towards an open and inclusive digital government, data protection and trust, and a fair and competitive digital economy.

It also aims at promoting the ethical use of emerging technologies, youth employment through digital skills, bridging the gender digital divide and a green digital transition.

In attendance were ICT and Digital Economy CS Eliud Owalo and the chairpersons of the National Assembly and Senate ICT Committees.

The ministry said the country's digital transformation holds the promise to leapfrog socio-economic development.

It urged Kenyans to take part in the digital economy in a way that tech start-ups operate in a conducive and fair environment and people trust digital services.

This will help realise the digital transformation's goal.