A new wave of coding camps, supported by UN Women, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), and the African Union Commission, is equipping young women in Kenya with vital skills in programming and digital entrepreneurship. The initiative aims to close the gender gap in the tech sector while promoting inclusion, innovation, and economic growth.
Building Digital Skills for the Future
The camps—hosted in Nairobi and regional hubs—target secondary school graduates, university students, and early-career professionals. Participants receive hands-on training in coding languages, app development, digital design, and business creation, preparing them for careers in software development or to launch their own startups.
“Technology is shaping the future of work and business. By training young women today, we are not only empowering individuals but also investing in Kenya’s digital economy,” said a UN Women representative.
Tackling Gender Inequality in Tech
Despite Kenya’s strong reputation as a digital innovation hub, women remain underrepresented in technology-related fields. Cultural perceptions, limited access to training, and social barriers have contributed to the imbalance.
The program addresses these challenges by creating safe learning environments and building mentorship networks. “This initiative is about inclusion. Women must not be left behind in Africa’s digital transformation,” an ITU official emphasized.
Supporting Entrepreneurship and Innovation
Alongside coding, the camps focus heavily on digital entrepreneurship, encouraging participants to design tech-driven solutions for sectors such as healthcare, education, and finance. Graduates are also linked with funding opportunities and incubator programs to transform ideas into viable businesses.
A Model for Africa
The Kenyan initiative is part of a wider continent-wide push to enhance women’s participation in the digital economy. With the support of UN agencies and the African Union, similar programs are expected to expand into other African countries.
For many of the young women involved, the experience is transformative. “I came here knowing nothing about coding. Now I’m building my first app,” said a participant from Kisumu.
As Africa’s digital future unfolds, such initiatives could play a crucial role in ensuring that women are not just participants but leaders in shaping the continent’s innovation story.
