This week’s county tech roundup highlights a wave of digital initiatives across Kenya, empowering communities and driving development in diverse sectors.
From beadwork to agriculture and cultural preservation, technology is taking center stage.
Adding to the tech boom, Kenya will soon host the first International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB) Regional Research Centre (RRC) in Africa.
Empowering Women Through Digital Beadwork Marketing in Kajiado County
Kajiado County women are set to benefit from a new initiative aimed at commercializing beadwork through digital platforms.
The State Department for Gender and Affirmative Action, in partnership with the Kenya Wildlife Service, Chyulu Hills REDD+ Carbon Project, and Ushanga Initiative, launched the Ushanga Innovation Resource Centres (UIRC) project.
This project will empower approximately 10,000 women from several group ranches by digitizing beadwork marketing, providing access to international markets, and offering capacity building.
KWS will also support the initiative by showcasing the beadwork in park gift shops.
The centers will also include tanneries and boreholes for tree planting.
Preserving Maa Culture in Narok County through a Digital App
Narok County celebrated the launch of a new mobile app dedicated to preserving Maa culture and language.
Developed by a Maasai Moran, the app provides easily accessible information on Maa traditions, beliefs, cuisine, and dressing.
County officials and elders lauded the initiative, recognizing it as a crucial step in safeguarding their cultural heritage for future generations in the digital age.
Boosting Agriculture in Nakuru County with ICT Innovations
Nakuru County is leveraging ICT to transform its agricultural sector.
A new program, in partnership with Enigma Four LTD and VetNow Kenya Limited, will train 20,000 livestock farmers on mobile and web apps offering agricultural advisory services, market linkages, financial access, and supply chain management tools.
The initiative aims to address the growing need for ICT solutions in agriculture, connecting farmers with markets, improving data management, and facilitating remote veterinary care.
A dedicated call center will also provide farmers with access to agricultural experts.
Vihiga County Connects Residents with Free Internet Access
Vihiga County has launched free internet connectivity within its government offices, providing residents, particularly youth, with access to online opportunities.
The initiative has been praised for bridging the digital divide, enabling access to education, online jobs, government services, and information.
The free Wi-Fi has become a community hub, transforming lives and fostering digital inclusion.
Kenya to Host First ICGEB Regional Research Centre in Africa
Kenya is poised to become a leader in genetic engineering and biotechnology research in Africa.
Egerton University recently handed over the construction site for the multi-million ICGEB RRC to the project contractor.
This state-of-the-art facility will house research laboratories for genetic engineering, biotechnology, molecular plant pathology, crop breeding, and genetic bio-fortification studies.
The center will specialize in food safety, molecular plant breeding, entomology, development of molecular diagnostic tools, and bioprospecting for biopesticides and bioactive compounds.
It will be only the second such center in the world, after the one in China.
The ICGEB RRC will focus on combating crop diseases, enhancing food security, improving nutritional value of staple foods, and promoting food safety.
It will also build regional capacity through training and collaboration, attracting investment and fostering sustainable development.
The center aims to position itself as a leading biotechnology hub in Africa.