“Our mentors at the hub tell us you should not feel down and discouraged, you should do that course that you want to do,” said Cynthia. “To those that talk negatively and say you cannot do it, prove them wrong.”

Across Kenya, girls continue to face significant barriers to entering the digital world - from limited access to internet and devices to cultural norms that discourage them from pursuing technology-related studies. While national policies aim to close the gender gap in ICT, the reality on the ground is that many girls are still left behind in a rapidly digitizing economy.

Cynthia was one of 22 young women who gathered at the Nairobi Community iHub in March to discuss their experiences with ICT. Their insights were both inspiring and revealing.

The university students expressed gratitude for access to digital courses that have helped them expand their computer skills. Many wished they had been introduced to coding at a younger age and advocated for ICT classes for younger children, like their own brothers and sisters, to encourage them early. They emphasized the importance of online safety training, with calls to extend these programs to schools.

Mentorship emerged as a critical factor in encouraging girls to pursue ICT. Coach Edith, a mentor and aspiring master’s student in ICT, understands these challenges firsthand. “ICT is still a male-dominated field,” she shared. “You tell your parents you want to study ICT, and they suggest secretarial work instead. Meanwhile, they encourage your brother to pursue technology. We have to change this.”

The young women also highlighted challenges they face: none had internet access at home, most travel 45 minutes to an hour just to reach the iHub, and only four had ever used a computer in primary or secondary school. Power outages also disrupt learning, with solar panels suggested as a potential solution.

A safe space for learning and growth

Located at SOS Children’s Village Nairobi in Buru Buru, the Nairobi Community iHub is a youth-driven space where young people learn essential digital and soft skills, access resources, and connect with mentors, ICT coaches, and like-minded peers. Since its opening in May 2023, hundreds of young people have been coming to the iHub each month.

The hub, part of the Digital Villages Project, provides not just access but encouragement. With bright murals painted by youth participants and a culture of open discussion, it is a place where young women feel welcomed and empowered to explore ICT.

In Kenya, the digital landscape is evolving rapidly, yet connectivity remains uneven. As of 2023, internet use hovered around 43–45%, but many rural and underserved areas continue to struggle with infrastructure, power challenges, and device affordability.

Public schools, despite initiatives like digital literacy programmes, often lack adequate ICT facilities. In Nairobi’s informal settlements, overcrowded classrooms make accessing digital education even more difficult.

Bridging the digital divide

This digital divide disproportionately affects girls and young women. Cultural norms and limited access to digital devices prevent many from exploring STEM fields (science, technology, engineering and mathematics). A National ICT Policy (2020) and the STEM & Gender Policy in Education (2021) highlight the importance of closing the gender gap in ICT, yet barriers persist.

Currently, women represent only about a third of ICT students in Kenya. Fewer women apply for, participate in, and complete ICT programmes compared to their male counterparts. Graduation scores are also lower, contributing to reduced representation in a sector with growing opportunities.

By 2030, over 230 million new jobs across Sub-Saharan Africa will require ICT skills, with 50–55% of jobs in Kenya expected to depend on digital capabilities. Without focused efforts to support girls and women, many risk missing out on high-quality career opportunities - while the country misses out on a large pool of untapped talent.

Looking ahead

Girls in ICT Day 2025 is not just a celebration - it is a call to action. The Nairobi Community iHub is proving that when young women are given the tools, space, and encouragement to explore technology, they thrive. Now, the challenge is to scale these efforts, reach more young people and communities, and create even more safe spaces where girls can own their digital futures.

As Cynthia stated, “I believe as a lady you can enter this field - you can make it and do it. We should reach more girls in schools and give more girls mentors and access to digital hubs to show them how.”

Girls are at the forefront of the future. In spaces like the Nairobi Community iHub, they connect, learn, and collaborate to shape a more dynamic technology landscape - in Kenya and beyond.