Discussion Paper No. 314 of 2023 on Pivoting Digital Inclusion to Unlock Kenya's Arid and Semi-Arid Lands: An ICT Composite Index Approach

Abstract

Digital inclusion is an essential aspect of the development of any country. Digital inclusion means ensuring that all individuals and communities who may be marginalized or underserved have access to and can effectively use digital technologies and the Internet. The primary objective of this study was to investigate the role of digital inclusion in unlocking the potential of Kenya's Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs) by utilizing an ICT index. The specific objectives were to assess the current status of digital access within Kenya's ASALs and to identify the challenges and opportunities associated with digital inclusion in the ASAL regions of Kenya. The study employed the use of an ICT composite index in the methodology. Creating an ICT composite index involved combining multiple indicators into a single measure representing the overall ICT development level. The study used data from the Communication Authority(CA) yearly reports, KNBS 2022 ICT Analytical report, KNBS 2019 Kenya Population and Housing Census, ICT Authority Digital Literacy Programme, and Ajira Digital. The findings showed that counties in the arid areas (84-100%) scored rather dismally in the ICT index, which reflected that there is still a need to put concerted efforts into improving aspects of the digital economy to ensure that the ASALs of Kenya are not left behind in taking up the massive opportunities offered in the digital spectrum. Despite the potential benefits of digital inclusion in unlocking Kenya's Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs), there is a lack of comprehensive understanding of its role and impact. Limited access to digital resources and infrastructure and challenges such as low digital literacy and technological barriers hinder realizing the ASALs' potential. Additionally, the absence of a tailored ICT index framework for assessing digital inclusion in the ASALs further limits the ability to measure progress and identify targeted interventions.