The government has registered 2,401 innovators for the Huduma Whitebox programme, an initiative under the ICT Authority that aims to catalyse the growth of local ventures to global standards.
Out of these, 188 innovations have been selected for monetisation, the majority of which support the government’s economic agenda, having reached a viable stage with some already launched into the Kenyan market.
The programme focuses on incubating, capacity building, creating market linkages and commercialising local innovations.
Since its inception in 2019, the program has been receiving pitches from innovators and providing successful applicants with the support needed to grow their innovations.
Speaking ahead of the ICT Week themed “Innovation for a Sustainable Digital Future,” ICT Authority CEO Stanley Kamanguya, affirmed that there will be increased cooperation among innovators to elevate ideas to both national and international markets.
"We are thrilled to surpass the 2,000 mark for registered innovators countrywide. We are currently supporting over 462 innovators and aim to empower more by incubating their ideas, linking them to markets, and introducing their solutions to enhance government services as well as solve practical challenges in the public,” he said.
"Already, we have 188 innovations with most rolled out to the market for commercialisation.”
Kamanguya added that they have also collaborated with 18 counties to drive innovation.
They include Bungoma, Embu, Homabay, Isiolo, Kakamega, Kericho, Kiambu, Laikipia, Machakos, Makueni, Meru, Migori, Mombasa, Nakuru, Narok, Nyeri, Thika and Uasin Gishu.
“Additionally, we have engaged 75 academic institutions, hubs, county offices, and Ajira Centres to create a vibrant innovation ecosystem,” Kamanguya said.
The Whitebox programme seeks to offer capacity building in partnership with various organizations to train innovators on relevant subjects.
Innovators can create an account on the program's portal, submit their innovations and get enlisted for incubation.
Kamanguya emphasized the importance of enhancing linkages to government funding programs for better investment and networking opportunities.
“Viable innovations are recommended for technical assistance through the ICT Authority’s incubation process, with priority given to those supporting the government’s agenda. Currently, over 100 innovations supporting the BETA agenda have been selected,” he said.
