Kenya pushes for locally developed platforms to support digital creatives

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Kenya is pushing for the development of locally built digital platforms as the government seeks to reduce reliance on international social media companies and create more opportunities for young digital entrepreneurs.

Speaking during an engagement with digital content creators at the Siaya Community Digital Hub, ICT PS John Tanui said the country must begin investing in homegrown platforms to support the rapidly growing digital economy.

Tanui noted that most Kenyan content creators currently rely on global platforms such as Facebook and TikTok to distribute their content and earn income, making them vulnerable to policy changes or platform shutdowns.

“We are challenging our innovators and creatives to start developing locally built digital platforms. Most of the platforms used in Kenya today are owned by international companies, and that creates a risk if those platforms withdraw from the market,” Tanui said.

He warned that the withdrawal of a major global platform could significantly affect thousands of Kenyan creators who depend on online platforms for income.

According to the Principal Secretary, the Ministry of Information, Communications and the Digital Economy is already working with partners to support the development of local platforms that can host digital content, advertising and online marketing.

He revealed that one locally developed digital platform built by a young Kenyan innovator is expected to be launched within the next two months.

“We expect to see more local platforms emerging. One of them will be launched soon by a young innovator in this country, and there are others that are still being developed and may soon reach the stage where they can be commercialised,” he said.

Tanui said the initiative is part of broader efforts to strengthen Kenya’s digital economy, which continues to create new job opportunities for young people, particularly in areas such as content creation, artificial intelligence and cybersecurity.

He noted that cybersecurity alone presents significant employment opportunities globally, with millions of jobs available for skilled professionals.

“There are about four million jobs globally in cybersecurity. Young people who equip themselves with digital skills can access opportunities in this space,” he said.

The government is also working to expand digital training and infrastructure to ensure that more young people can participate in the digital economy.

Part of this effort includes the establishment of digital hubs across the country where young people can access internet connectivity, training and online work opportunities.

During the same event, MP Dagoreti South John Kiarie said the government has already commissioned digital innovation hubs in all the 47 counties as part of efforts to expand digital opportunities.

He said improved internet connectivity is helping young people build businesses online, including content creation and digital marketing.

“We have met young people who are already earning through digital platforms. Some of them were previously employed but are now self-employed through content creation,” Kiarie said.

However, he emphasised that the growing influence of digital platforms also requires responsible communication from users.

“In the past, information passed through newsrooms with editors and sub-editors. Today, an individual can collect information, edit it and publish it instantly. That means each creator carries the responsibility of being a reporter, editor and publisher at the same time,” he said.

The engagement was hosted at the Siaya Community Digital Hub, a facility aimed at equipping young people with digital skills and linking them to online employment opportunities.

CEO Siaya Community Digital hub Tabitha Ogutu said the discussions highlighted the importance of ensuring young people in counties such as Siaya are not left behind as digital work becomes increasingly important.

“It has been an exciting week for the Siaya community because we have had conversations that directly focus on empowering young people,” Ogutu said.

She said the hub was established with a vision of creating digital employment opportunities through initiatives such as Business Process Outsourcing and digital training programmes.

According to Ogutu, communities that lack access to digital literacy and infrastructure risk being excluded from the future of work.

“The future of work is increasingly digital, and communities that do not have access to digital skills and connectivity will be left behind,” she said.

She added that partnerships between government, the private sector and community initiatives will be critical in ensuring that young people across the country benefit from the growing digital economy.