Kenya to launch first home-grown creative digital platform

Africa, Arts & Entertainment, Education, Technology

INTERNATIONAL (Agency Report) — March 9, 2026 — The Kenyan government is set to unveil its first locally developed creative digital platform within the next two months, a move aimed at strengthening the country’s creative industry and reducing dependence on foreign-owned social media.

John Tanui, Principal Secretary for the State Department of ICT and the Digital Economy, announced that several initiatives are underway to support home-grown platforms for content creators. He noted that the Ministry of ICT is collaborating with United Nations agencies under the “DigiKen” programme, which focuses on promoting the development of locally built digital platforms.

Tanui highlighted that while thousands of young Kenyans earn income through international platforms such as Facebook and TikTok, the sector remains vulnerable to policy changes or market exits by these global players. He urged innovators, universities, and researchers to prioritize the creation of local platforms for advertising, content creation, and digital marketing, stressing the importance of resilience and sustainability in Kenya’s digital economy.

Dagoretti South MP John Kiarie, chair of the National Assembly Committee on Communication, Information and Innovation, commended ongoing legislative reforms that support digital innovation. He pointed to the rollout of 47 Digital Hubs and expanded fibre connectivity as key steps in empowering youth and widening access to online opportunities.

Kiarie also reminded content creators to use digital tools responsibly, noting that while the growing digital space offers immense opportunities, it also carries responsibilities and risks if misused.