Elgeyo Marakwet County: Digital Transformation in the Highlands
Nestled in Kenya’s Rift Valley, Elgeyo Marakwet County is known for its agricultural potential and athletic talent. However, digital exclusion has limited economic growth, particularly among smallholder farmers in remote highland areas. With an overall poverty rate of 47.3%, DEGESI targeted this region to harness its potential through digital inclusion.
Key Achievements in Elgeyo Marakwet
Highest Citizen Participation: 37.7% of all citizen trainees (27,733 individuals)
Strong Agricultural Focus: Majority of farmers trained in Digital Services for Agriculture (DSA)
Youth Engagement: High uptake among youth aged 25-35 (46% of participants)
Gender Balance Achieved: 52% female participation in training programs
CDC Mobilization: 16% of all CDC applicants from this county
Local Success Stories
Sarah’s Agri-Tech Transformation
Sarah, a 32-year-old maize farmer from Tambach, used to rely on middlemen who offered poor prices. After DEGESI training, she now uses Kilimo Hakika to check market prices and connects directly with buyers in Eldoret through WhatsApp groups. Her income has increased by 60%, allowing her to hire two additional farm workers.
The Marakwet Digital Champions Collective
A group of 15 CDCs formed a cooperative that now provides digital services to local schools and businesses. They offer printing, document digitization, and e-government service assistance, creating a sustainable social enterprise that serves over 500 community members monthly.
County-Specific Interventions
Mobile Digital Hubs: Established 3 mobile training units that rotate through remote areas
Farmers’ Digital Cooperatives: Formed 5 farmer groups with shared tablet access
Partnership with County Government: Integrated digital skills training into the county’s youth empowerment programs
Athletes’ Digital Literacy Program: Special sessions for young athletes to manage their careers and finances online
Challenges Overcome
Mountainous Terrain: Deployed mobile training units with satellite internet
Agricultural Season Conflicts: Scheduled training around planting and harvesting seasons
Limited Power Access: Provided solar-charged devices for training sessions