Last week, I had the privilege of attending the Digital Hubs Strategy Conference in Kakamega County, where Kenya’s ambitious Digital Superhighway initiative took center stage. The event marked the launch of two digital hubs at Kakamega County Polytechnic and St. Paul’s Shianda County Polytechnic, key milestones in Kenya’s journey to bridge the digital divide.

This transformative effort is driven by a collaborative partnership between the Ministry of ICT and Digital Economy, Konza Technopolis, the Communications Authority of Kenya, and Huawei Kenya, among others. These digital hubs are more than access points—they are empowering communities through digital education, entrepreneurship, and opportunities for economic growth.

Throughout the day, I engaged with key stakeholders, including educators, students, and policymakers, to understand the real impact of these hubs. Here are some highlights:

Adam Lane from Huawei Kenya shared how Huawei’s contributions include high-speed broadband connectivity, ICT training, and state-of-the-art digital tools to transform institutions into modern learning hubs.

Carolyn Kamete, Principal at Kakamega County Polytechnic, explained how their hub has tripled student enrollment, empowered youth and women, and created global linkages for trainees.

Julia Opoti, Principal at St. Paul’s Shianda County Polytechnic, emphasized how digital resources have equipped trainees with critical ICT skills and increased their employability.

Students like Sharon Nekesa and Silas Mulama shared inspiring stories of earning income online through digital platforms facilitated by the hubs.

Evans Akoko, Centre Manager, highlighted how tailored training programs are creating career pathways for both trainees and community members.

Hon. Victoria Zillah, MCA Kakamega County, discussed how these hubs have not only boosted enrollment but also attracted partnerships and resources that enhance their overall impact.

The success of this initiative reflects the power of collaboration between the government, private sector, and academia. Together, they are creating ecosystems that provide the tools and skills needed to thrive in today’s digital economy.