A total of 2,401 innovators in Kenya have been registered in the Huduma Whitebox program, which focuses on incubation, capacity building, market linkages, and commercialisation.
Out of these, 188 innovations, which support the government’s economic agenda, have reached a viable stage with some already launched into the market.
Huduma Whitebox is an initiative under the ICT Authority and aims to catalyse 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.
“We are thrilled to surpass the 2,000 mark for registered innovators countrywide. We are currently supporting over 462 innovators and 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,” he said.
Kamanguya said the authority is collaborating 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.
“We have also engaged 75 academic institutions, hubs, county offices, and Ajira Centres to create a vibrant innovation ecosystem,” he explained.
Kamanguya emphasised 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 organisations to train innovators on relevant subjects.
