The MoU establishes a strong framework for collaboration in equipping Kenyans with internationally recognized digital skills certification, ensuring the country is well-positioned to harness digital opportunities and accelerate its path toward a knowledge-driven economy.

Kenya has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the International Certification of Digital Literacy (ICDL) Africa, a digital literacy provider that offers certification programs that verify an individual’s proficiency in essential computer skills. The agreement, announced on August 26, was finalized at a ceremony held by the Ministry of ICT and Digital Economy (MICDE). It aims to advance digital skills development across the country.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Principal Secretary of MICDE underscored the government’s commitment to investing in digital infrastructure and the digitization of public services. He emphasized that building a digitally skilled population—particularly among the youth—will be critical for unlocking opportunities in the growing Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) sector, as well as emerging fields such as software development and Artificial Intelligence.

“ICDL certification will play a vital role in developing the talent pool Kenya needs to compete and thrive in the digital economy,” the PS noted, adding that the Cabinet Minister has given full backing to the partnership.

ICDL CEO Damien reaffirmed the organization’s dedication to supporting Kenya’s digital transformation journey: “A digital economy can only be achieved through digitally skilled people, and ICDL has been building those skills globally for many years.”

The MoU aligns closely with Kenya’s Digital Masterplan 2022–2032, which seeks to digitize 80% of government services over the next decade. While investments in infrastructure and platforms are critical, their impact depends on citizens and civil servants having the right skills to adopt and use them effectively. By introducing internationally recognized ICDL certification, the partnership ensures that Kenyans—particularly youth—are equipped with practical digital competencies in areas such as productivity tools, cybersecurity, and online collaboration.

This comes as Kenya intensifies efforts to position itself as a regional hub for digital and AI-driven governance. Just last week, the government launched an ambitious plan to equip 100,000 public servants with AI and digital competencies through the Regional Centre of Competence (RCOC) based at the Kenya School of Government for Digital and AI Skilling.

These efforts underline Kenya’s commitment to building a future-ready workforce and accelerating its digital transformation agenda.

Hikmatu Bilali