Inside Ksh200 Million SKIIVE Project Enhancing Digital Capabilities of Kenyan SMEs

The Kenyan Digital Ecosystem has benefited greatly from the Strengthening intermediaries of the Kenyan digital innovation ecosystem (SKIIVE) project through the fostering of business digital capacities, especially for SMEs and start-ups thus supporting Kenya’s Twin Transition.

To this end, the implementing partners of the SKIIVE project brought together key partners and stakeholders to celebrate its success in strengthening intermediaries within the digital and innovation ecosystem during a project showcase.

Experts and partners made various presentations and led key discussions while featuring beneficiaries of the different project work packages and demonstrating innovative digital solutions delivered.

Key achievements for SKIIVE include scaling up six digital solutions created by SOMO Africa, Kayana Create, Baraza Media Lab, LakeHub and Glaxotech E-learning Hub to increase the capacity of intermediaries to serve their communities with a EUR 10,000 (Ksh1.4 million) grant each.

At least 15 local subsidy recipients of EUR 10,000 each displayed their impactful digital platforms that have driven local economic development, across different sectors. The grantees were Youth Empowerment Program Initiative Hub, WYLDE Trust International, WISE Hub, SME Support Centre, Northern Innovation Empowerment Hub, Mt. Kenya Hub, Invest in Africa, Inkomoko, Homeless of Kisumu, Fablab Winam, Emerge CBO- Mandera, EldoHub, The Border Hub and Active Hub Kitale.

Two Entrepreneurship Support Organisations (ESOs)- the Association of Countrywide Innovation Hubs (ACIH) and the Association for Startup and SME Enablers (ASSEK), provided a strong network of support for SMEs, through a joint operational plan. These ESOs went on to organize and host cyber hygiene workshops in four different regions within Kenya

The Kenyan Green and Digital Innovation Hub was successfully established and launched in late 2024. This is a significant milestone in the digitization of SMEs and marks their continued integration into sustainable business practices and received EUR80,000.

“The success of the SKIIVE Project underscores the critical role that digital transformation plays in driving economic growth and innovation. By strengthening the intermediaries within Kenya’s digital ecosystem, we are paving the way for a future where SMEs and start-ups can thrive and contribute to a vibrant, inclusive economy. We are proud to have been part of this transformative journey and look forward to seeing continued progress and innovation,” Head of the Digital Economy at the Digital Transformation Center programme, Katharina Mengede said.

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