A total of 2401 innovators in Kenya have been registered in the Huduma Whitebox program, which focuses on incubation, capacity building, market linkages, and commercialization.
Out of these, 188 innovations, majority which support the government’s economic agenda, have reached a viable stage with some already launched into the market.
Huduma Whitebox, an initiative under the ICT Authority, aims to catalyze the growth of local ventures to global standards. Since its inception in 2019, the program has been receiving pitches from innovators and providing successful applicants with the support needed to grow their innovations.
Speaking ahead of the ICT Week themed ‘Innovation for a Sustainable Digital Future’, Stanley Kamanguya, CEO of the ICT Authority, assured stakeholders of increased cooperation to elevate ideas to both national and international markets.
He expressed that the Authority is thrilled to surpass the 2,000 mark for registered innovators countrywide and currently supporting over 462 innovators with the aim to empower more by incubating their ideas, linking them to markets, and introducing their solutions to enhance government services as well as solve practical challenges in the public.
“Already, we have 188 innovations with most rolled out to the market for commercialization. We have also collaborated with 18 counties; Isiolo, Makueni, Embu, Meru, Bungoma, Kakamega, Kiambu, Homabay, Migori, Uasin Gishu, Laikipia, Nyeri, Narok, Mombasa, Machakos, Thika, Kericho, and Nakuru to drive innovation,” he stated.
The CEO added that the Authority has engaged 75 academic institutions, hubs, county offices, and Ajira Centres to create a vibrant innovation ecosystem.
Further, Kamanguya emphasized the importance of enhancing linkages to government funding programs for better investment and networking opportunities.
The Whitebox program offers capacity building in partnership with various organizations to train innovators on relevant subjects.
Innovators can also create an account on the program’s portal, submit their innovations and get enlisted for incubation.
Viable innovations are recommended for technical assistance through the ICT Authority’s incubation process, with priority given to those supporting the government’s agenda.
Currently, over 100 innovations supporting the BETA agenda have been selected.
By Michael Omondi
