The Kenyan government is stepping up efforts to promote locally developed digital platforms in a move aimed at strengthening the country’s creative economy and reducing dependence on foreign-owned social media networks.
John Tanui, Principal Secretary for the State Department of ICT and the Digital Economy, said the government is supporting initiatives that will enable Kenyan innovators to build and commercialise digital platforms tailored to local creators and businesses.
Speaking at the Siaya Community Digital Hub, Tanui revealed that the first locally developed platform could launch within the next two months, with additional platforms expected to follow as they mature for commercialisation.
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He noted that the Ministry of ICT is collaborating with United Nations agencies through a programme known as DigiKen, which is focused on encouraging the development of digital platforms built within Kenya.
“It is not an easy initiative, but we are very happy to see the progress that is being made in that space,” Tanui said.
According to the PS, thousands of young Kenyans currently earn income through digital platforms. However, he warned that the sector remains heavily dominated by international companies, which could expose local creators to risks if policies change or platforms withdraw their services.
Tanui added that the government continues to engage global platforms, including Meta Platforms, Facebook and TikTok, to improve opportunities for creators.
“So far, we are happy with the platforms we have engaged with, including Meta Platforms, Facebook and TikTok, with whom we have held several discussions at the national level. In the last three years, we have seen monetisation opportunities emerge on some of these platforms, including Facebook,” he said.
Tanui also called on innovators, universities and researchers to prioritise building local solutions for advertising, content creation and digital marketing to ensure the long-term sustainability and resilience of Kenya’s digital economy.
Meanwhile, John Kiarie, who chairs the National Assembly Committee on Communication, Information and Innovation, praised legislative reforms aimed at supporting digital innovation across the country.
Kiarie highlighted the government’s rollout of 47 Digital Hubs and the expansion of fibre connectivity as key measures designed to empower young people and widen access to online opportunities.
“With the launch of the first 47 Digital Hubs across the country, the government is doing much more not only to expand the digital space but also to ensure fibre connectivity reaches every part of the country,” he said.
However, the lawmaker also urged content creators to use digital tools responsibly, noting that while the rapidly growing digital space presents significant opportunities, it also carries risks if misused.
The government’s push for locally developed platforms is part of a broader strategy to build a more resilient digital ecosystem and create sustainable income opportunities for Kenya’s growing community of online creators.
