Kenya advancing the Pact for the Future

HEZEKIEL GIKAMBI-PCO

Kenya is advancing initiatives aligned with the United Nations’ Pact for the Future, as the leading force in East Africa’s digital ecosystem. 

This includes promoting digital inclusivity and economic empowerment through the Ministry of Information, Communication, and the Digital Economy. 

During the recent commemoration of the United Nations Day, ICT Cabinet Secretary Dr. Margaret Nyambura Ndung’u underscored Kenya’s commitment to “bringing the Pact home” by transforming global ambitions into actionable steps to support present and future generations. 

“Today, we convene for a unique intergenerational dialogue to localize The Pact for the Future—a bold vision to ensure no one is left behind in our rapidly evolving world,” Dr. Ndung’u stated. 

She emphasized Kenya’s digital transformation goals by spotlighting initiatives such as Ajira and Jitume, which empower Kenyan youth and women with critical digital skills for global job markets. 

“Our goal is to enable every Kenyan to actively participate in the digital economy,” she said, aligning the programs with UN goals for sustainable, inclusive digital ecosystems.

Through its National Optic Fibre Backbone Infrastructure (NOFBI), Kenya extends internet access to underserved regions, enhancing citizens’ e-commerce and educational opportunities. 

These investments in connectivity are foundational to bridging the digital divide and establishing Kenya as a digital economy hub. 

ICT and E-Government Secretary, Ms. Mary Kerema, praised Ajira and Jitume, stating, “These programs do not just provide skills; they empower our youth to take control of their economic future by accessing global opportunities from right here in Kenya.” 

Ms. Kerema was representing the CS, MICDE, as a panelist during the intergenerational dialogue to localize ‘The Pact for the Future’ at the UN headquarters in Gigiri. 

She said Kenya also nurtures its innovation ecosystem with favourable policies and funding for startups, particularly within Nairobi’s Silicon Savannah. 

This ecosystem is essential for fostering local entrepreneurship, scaling innovation, and placing Kenya at the forefront of Africa’s digital transformation, she added. The Secretary highlighted the importance of incubators across the country, to provide young entrepreneurs mentorship, funding, and collaborative spaces. 

This support allows Kenyan startups to make unique contributions to the global digital landscape, she observed. E-government services are another focus, with Kenya digitizing public services to improve transparency, accessibility, and accountability in government-citizen interactions. 

These services, spanning education, health, and business, exemplify the benefits of integrating digital tools for economic and social development, she said. Ms Kerema added that in order to ensure secure digital engagement, the Ministry has developed robust data protection and cybersecurity frameworks. 

These frameworks protect public trust and serve as a model for responsible digital growth. By bolstering privacy and security, Kenya supports a digital landscape that respects both economic growth and citizen rights, she said.