The Project
Creating 60 rural Digital Labs across Igembe South Constituency, Meru County
Athi Community Network is a rural Tech nonprofit based in Igembe South Meru County. We have launched a Community lead internet service, ACN Wireless, in partnership with the Internet Society Foundation and support from the Association of Progressive Communications. We seek to share the benefits of our services with the wider community to achieve meaningful positive impact. We have so far connected 6 out of the 60 localities in our focus area. Young people in Igembe South face high unemployment due to limited skills, low education levels, and lack of access to credit. Athi Community Network is launching 60 Digital Hubs, each located at a local public primary school locality to maximize community reach. These hubs will be equipped with 40-foot containers featuring computers, internet access, and mini workshops for equipment maintenance. The Hubs will offer E-Government services, Digital upskilling training, Access to online job opportunities, Business process outsourcing and Community-driven innovations. Athi Community Network will provide capacity building and internet connectivity for the 60 community groups and all proceeds will be managed by all those groups to ensure long-term sustainability and impact.
About Project 60
Objective
To raise USD 25,000 per digital lab. The idea is to create a digitally empowered environment within rural communities. This empowerment will translate into enhanced skills, thriving local businesses, improved access to information, fostered innovation, and stronger community collaboration, ultimately driving sustainable economic growth and improving the overall socio-economic well-being of the targeted communities in Kenya.The labs will contain computers WiFi internet electronic repair accessories, 24 hour solar backup system, 40 foot customized container and relevant softwares and tools.
Enhanced Skills and Employability
Equip community members with the competencies needed to participate in the modern digital economy
Promote Entrepreneurship
The digital infrastructure will empower local organizations and small businesses to improve their operations, marketing, and reach
Innovation and New Economic Activities
The project will stimulate innovation and the development of new digital-based services and products within the rural communities. This can lead to the creation of new businesses, diversification of local economies
Improved Access to Information and Resources
The digital labs will serve as hubs for accessing vital information related to agriculture, market prices, financial services, and government programs.
Case Study
Sauti ya Mwananchi is a local action group based in Kiiji Market Igembe south. The group advocates for social and economic rights for the community members Athi Community Network donated a Desktop Computer ,printer and other office accessories to the group to help in the digitization process. We have also installed a public Wifi at Kiiji Market centre to enable the group access lowcost internet and digital literacy training. The idea is for the wider community to access the digital economy. A digital Hub will significantly scale this group’s activities and empower the community to a greater extent.
What we expect to achieve
The digital labs will act as shared spaces, fostering collaboration and networking among local organizations and community members. These numbers are a conservative estimate of the project impact.
