Kenya’s long-standing cooperation with China plays a critical role in the country’s transition to a more inclusive digital economy. Kenya is leveraging its collaboration with both the Chinese government and the private sector to lay the foundation for a dynamic, knowledge-based economy. Harriette Chiggai, the Women’s Rights Advisor, noted that this partnership has contributed to the development of digital infrastructure across all 47 counties of Kenya and has supported young people in acquiring skills for e-commerce and remote work.
In October 2023, Kenyan President William Ruto signed a memorandum of understanding with Chinese telecom giant Huawei to promote digital transformation in the country. During the International Day for Women and Girls in Science event held in Nairobi, Chiggai remarked, “I have seen how successful Huawei is in the hardware sector in this country; they have signed multiple MOUs with several technology institutions, and that is a major plus.”
Gloria Wawira, CEO of the National Youth Council, explained that China’s economic and technological progress provides valuable lessons for Kenya as it pursues a skills-driven fourth industrial revolution. Wawira added that the cooperation between Kenya and China will facilitate technology transfer to young people, foster innovation and entrepreneurship, and open up new opportunities in the international job market for Kenya and Africa.
Additionally, the National Youth Council, in collaboration with Huawei, has launched the “DigiTruck” mobile digital literacy program and introduced specialized courses in coding and generative artificial intelligence to ensure full participation of youth from underprivileged areas in the knowledge-based economy.