The KENYA INSTITUTE for PUBLIC
POLICY RESEARCH and ANALYSIS
No. 8/2023-2024
Thinking Policy Together
Advancing Kenya’s Digital Literacy Initiatives in Arid and 
Semi-Arid Lands
By Austin Odera and Alex Matiy
Key Highlights 
Digital literacy is an essential aspect in the development of any country. Digital literacy ensures that all individuals and 
communities who may be marginalized or underserved have access to and can effectively use digital technologies 
and the Internet. This policy brief focuses on interventions towards advancing the role of digital inclusion through 
literacy in unlocking the potential of Kenya’s arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs).
Key highlights include:
i) As of 2022, Kenya’s Digital Literacy Programme was making significant strides in preparing students for the 
digital age, aiming to modernize the education system for the 21st century. Nearly 98.67 per cent of schools 
had implemented the programme nationwide. However, there are disparities among regions and the digital 
literacy level is below 50 per cent for ASAL counties. In Kenya’s ASALs, Samburu has the lowest digital literacy 
rate. At the same time, Kiambu stands out with the highest digital literacy rate.
ii) Digital divide in Kenya exists, and it deepens existing social inequalities, limiting access to education, 
employment, healthcare, and civic participation.
iii) Current digital literacy efforts in Kenya are not cohesive, especially in reaching marginalized communities. The 
initiatives are not standardized, face insufficient funding, and have limited comprehensive approach. Existing 
policies prioritize basic skills, neglecting critical aspects such as critical thinking and cybersecurity. Coverage 
is limited countrywide, and access costs are high.
iv) A proposed National Digital Literacy Framework can establish clear learning objectives and standards 
adaptable to various learning environments, benefiting from input from educators and technology experts. 
Targeted programmes for marginalized communities may have the potential to provide access to technology 
and training, with collaboration among local leaders and non-profit organizations to enhance programme 
effectiveness. Additionally, teacher training, offering continuous development, is crucial for effective digital 
literacy integration and should consider diverse teaching styles and student needs.
Introduction Digital Literacy in Kenya
In the 21st century, digital literacy has become Digital divide is a multifaceted issue associated with 
a fundamental skill for individual empowerment, disparities in access to technology, education, and 
economic progress, and societal development. resources. While the Internet has the potential to be 
Technology’s rapid advancement has transformed a great equalizer, many people lack the basic digital 
how we communicate, work, and access information. skills. This divide deepens existing social inequalities, 
However, a digital divide persists, leaving a significant limiting access to education, employment, healthcare, 
portion of the population without the necessary skills to and civic participation. The aftermath of COVID-19 
navigate the digital landscape. This policy brief explores pandemic reinforced the importance of digital literacy, 
the critical need for comprehensive digital literacy as remote learning and telemedicine have become 
programmes to bridge this gap and ensure equitable essential, leaving those without digital skills severely 
access to opportunities in the digital age. disadvantaged. The sustainable development goal 
KIPPRA Policy Brief  No.  8/2023-2024 1 
(SDG) target for Internet and broadband aims that by Digital Literacy levels
2025, 60 per cent of youth and adults should have With a lowest digital literacy score of 27.56%, Samburu 
achieved at least a minimum level of proficiency faces challenges in digital literacy, especially regarding 
in sustainable digital skills. Digital skills have been computer/tablet usage, Internet access, and the 
defined as skills that enable people to access, use, and presence of a Digital Learning Programme (DLP).
benefit from the Internet, enhance Internet penetration, 
and access to employment and entrepreneur The moderate digital literacy cluster encompasses 
opportunities. It is estimated that by 2030, digital skills seven counties, each scoring between 30 and 40 per 
will be required in most of the jobs in Kenya. Limited cent in digital literacy. Garissa, Wajir, Mandera, Turkana, 
knowledge and skills in ICT in the ASALs of Kenya West Pokot, and Isiolo form this cluster. While these 
are a significant barrier to households’ Internet use, counties exhibit moderate digital literacy levels, there 
which prevents them from exploiting its benefits even is room for improvement in computer/tablet usage, 
during emergencies or disasters. Digital skills are Internet access, and presence of Digital Literacy 
measured from basic to intermediate to advanced Programme.
levels. Basic skills, including hardware, software, and 
basic online tasks, form the foundation for functioning The high digital literacy cluster comprises 21 counties, 
in society. Intermediate skills go further, allowing critical all boasting digital literacy scores exceeding 40 per 
technology use and content creation, particularly for cent. Marsabit, Kwale, Kilifi, Taita Taveta, Kajiado, 
work-related tasks such as digital marketing. Advanced Makueni, Kitui, Machakos, Embu, Tharaka Nithi, 
skills are specialized, including programming, Artificial Meru, Laikipia, Baringo, Narok, Nakuru, Migori, Nyeri, 
Intelligence(AI), big data, and cybersecurity, often Kiambu, and Elgeyo Marakwet belong to this cluster. 
requiring advanced education and leading to higher- These counties exhibit strong digital literacy levels, with 
paying roles, particularly in ICT professions. 
Table 1: Share of Internet usage, tablet/computer use and schools with DLP (%)
County %of the Population Age % of Population Age 3 % of Schools with Digital literacy 
3 Years and Above Using Years and Above Using a Digital Literacy score(%)
Internet Computer/Laptop/Tablet Program
Tana River 8.9 3.2 100.00 34.950
Isiolo 14.2 5.3 83.00 31.280 
Garissa 12.2 4.6 93.87 33.660
Wajir 8.3 2.9 100.00 33.650
Samburu 9.7 4.1 76.71 27.560
Mandera 7.8 2.7 100.00 33.420
Marsabit 8.3 3.0 100.00 33.690
Turkana 6.9 2.4 98.88 32.694
Kwale 12.4 4.6 99.45 35.385
Kilifi 15.1 6.6 100.00 37.170
Taita Taveta 23.9 9.6 100.00 40.010
Kajiado 33.1 16.2 99.75 46.353
Makueni 16.1 6.1 100.00 37.270
Kitui 13.6 4.9 99.60 35.920
Machakos 25.8 11.8 99.76 42.388
Embu 22.1 9.4 100.00 40.390
Tharaka Nithi 18.8 8.2 99.52 38.784
Meru 19.3 7.1 99.72 38.536
Laikipia 22.6 9.5 98.97 40.271
West Pokot 8.1 3.0 100.00 33.630
Baringo 15.3 6.2 99.69 37.957
Narok 12.0 4.1 99.84 35.212
Nakuru 26.8 11.6 99.71 42.597
Migori 14.3 6.1 99.67 36.634
Homabay 15.2 6.8 100.00 38.120
Nyeri 29.9 13.7 99.49 44.292
Kiambu 42.7 21.8 98.27 51.002
Lamu 19.4 6.2 97.85 39.975
Elgeyo Markakwet 14.2 5.5 100.00 36.460
2 KIPPRA Policy Brief  No. 8/2023-2024
scores reflecting proficiency in computer/tablet usage, Policy Recommendations
internet access, and Digital Literacy Program presence.
The National Digital Literacy Framework can provide 
Within this high digital literacy cluster, Kiambu stands clear learning objectives and standards, and ensuring 
out with the highest Digital Literacy score of 51.00 per adaptability to diverse learning environments. This 
cent, indicating exceptional digital literacy. Nyeri follows could be supported with the following interventions:
closely with a Digital Literacy score of 44.29 per cent, 
while other counties in this cluster display varying i) Targeted programmes for marginalized 
degrees of digital proficiency. communities: Digital literacy programmes can 
focus on providing access to technology and 
Government initiatives training. Collaborating with local leaders and 
Various government initiatives at the national and non-profit organizations may enhance cultural 
county levels and efforts from the private sector have sensitivity and programme effectiveness.
been put in place to enhance digital skills and literacy 
in Kenya. The digital literacy programme, for example, ii) Teacher training and curriculum integration: 
ensures that every student is well-equipped for the Educators can receive continuous training to 
digital era, aiming to modernize the education system integrate digital literacy effectively. Training 
into a 21st century model. Ajira Digital Programme is programmes may need to be tailored to suit 
a national government initiative to empower over one different teaching styles and student needs.
million young individuals to access digital employment 
opportunities. An important aspect of this initiative iii) Public-private partnerships: Partnerships 
is emphasizing education and skill development can fund digital literacy initiatives, but ethical 
tailored for the constantly changing landscape of guidelines may be necessary to ensure equitable 
online jobs. The programme has achieved notable distribution of resources and opportunities.
success by granting Kenyans access to various online iv) Awareness campaigns: Awareness campaigns 
digital job opportunities and fostering partnerships can utilize diverse media channels to reach a 
and collaborations that have proven beneficial for wider audience. However, understanding the 
the country. It collaborates with 56 established digital cultural nuances of different regions may be 
platforms, offering various services, from business crucial for the message’s effectiveness.
development to ensuring efficient technology access.
v) Monitoring and evaluation: A robust monitoring 
Current efforts to address digital literacy often lack system can track programme outcomes and 
cohesion and fail to effectively reach marginalized participant engagement, but it may require 
communities. While various initiatives are in place, regular reviews and adjustments based on 
they often have no standardization, adequate funding, evolving digital trends and community needs.
and a comprehensive approach. Additionally, there is 
limited awareness among policy makers regarding the vi) Internet expansion: Expanding Internet coverage 
urgency and impact of digital literacy on overall societal can enhance accessibility, especially in remote 
development. Furthermore, existing policies primarily areas. However, environmental factors and 
focus on basic digital skills, overlooking the importance infrastructure challenges may influence the 
of advanced digital literacy, including critical thinking, feasibility and effectiveness of such expansions.
media literacy, and cyber security. The coverage across 
the country is also limited in addition to the high cost of 
access.
References
Communications Authority of Kenya(2020), The State of the ICT Industry in Kenya Report 2020. 
ICT Authority (2023), DigiSchool Management System. PILLARS OF THE DIGITAL LITERACY PROGRAM. https://www.digischool.go.ke/
Ministry of ICT, Innovation and Youth Affairs (2021), The Kenya National Digital Master Plan 2022-2032. 
Ministry of Information, Communications and Technology (2019), Digital Economy Blueprint. 
MOICT (2022), Over 5,000 Government services now available from 100+ Ministries, Counties, Departments and Agencies. Gava 
Mkononi. 
MOICT (2023). Ajira Digital.
KIPPRA Policy Brief  No.  8/2023-2024 3 
Acknowledgements
This policy brief was prepared by Austin Odera and Alex Matiy (Young Professionals) based on a discussion paper titled 
“Pivoting Digital Inclusion to Unlock Kenya’s ASALs: An ICT Composite Index Approach”
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