In a bid to nurture homegrown innovation and propel Kenya’s digital economy, the ICT Authority (ICTA) is championing WhiteBox, an initiative designed to support young innovators and entrepreneurs.
Launched between 2015 and 2016, WhiteBox provides a game-changing platform where aspiring tech minds can pitch their ideas, receive mentorship, and access crucial support to bring their innovations to life.
The journey begins with an initial pitch before a panel of industry experts. However, ICTA statistics show that 90 percent of pitches fail at this stage due to inadequate research. Those who advance must submit a detailed pitch deck along with a proof of concept—often a prototype—to demonstrate feasibility.
According to Peter Kimani, a County Innovation Champion (CIC) in Kiambu, most of the projects align with the government’s Big Four Agenda, covering Affordable Housing, Manufacturing, Healthcare, Agriculture, and SMEs. However, he clarifies that while non-aligned projects are still considered, they remain the minority.
“We recognized the need for accessibility, which is why ICTA has established Centres of Innovation (CICs) across the country. While physical hubs exist, the majority of participants now opt for virtual engagements, a shift that accelerated after COVID-19, making the program more flexible and inclusive,” Kimani explains.
Successful candidates gain the freedom to choose the kind of support they need—funding, access to facilities, market linkages, mentorship, or collaboration opportunities. The best part is that Innovators retain full ownership of their ideas, even when collaborating with organizations affiliated with WhiteBox.
“The ICTA portal serves as a seamless gateway for applicants, connecting them directly to mentors, investors, and tech leaders. One of the standout features of WhiteBox is the Knowledge Intellectual Property (KIP) system, designed to protect innovators from intellectual property theft,” says Kimani.
“Our experts provide tailored mentorship programs spanning fields such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Cybersecurity, and more. We also conduct follow-up evaluations to ensure recommended improvements are implemented,” Kimani adds.
WhiteBox is backed by a strong network of government and private-sector stakeholders. Universities such as Kabarak, Maasai Mara, Dedan Kimathi, and Strathmore collaborate alongside global tech giants like Oracle, IBM, and Microsoft, creating a dynamic ecosystem that bridges the gap between academia and industry.
Kimani notes that for every successful project, the government not only fosters job creation but also benefits from increased tax revenue, making WhiteBox a win-win initiative for both innovators and the economy.
For young innovators like Antonny Adika, a network engineering student, WhiteBox is the ultimate Launchpad.
“I’m currently working on my prototype, and once it’s ready, I’ll submit it for evaluation. I hope my innovation will make a difference,” he told KNA.
With over 10,000 young innovators empowered, WhiteBox is proving to be more than just a program—it’s a catalyst for Kenya’s digital transformation. From Agri-tech to cybersecurity, the initiative is fuelling entrepreneurship, creating jobs, and positioning Kenya as a global tech powerhouse.
By Yvonne Wangeci
