Wajir County: Empowering Border Communities Digitally
Wajir County, with 66.3% poverty rate, represents one of Kenya’s most marginalized regions. Its strategic border location offers unique trade opportunities, but digital exclusion has limited economic growth. DEGESI focused on creating digital pathways for youth and women in this predominantly pastoralist community.
Key Achievements in Wajir
High Citizen Engagement: 32.8% of all participants (24,132 individuals)
Youth Dominance: 70% of participants aged 18-35
Disability Inclusion: Above-average PWD participation at 4.2%
Strong CDC Network: 17.5% of CDC applicants from Wajir
Mobile Training Success: Effective use of mobile training units
Local Success Stories
Mohamed’s Livestock Tracking Innovation
Mohamed, a 25-year-old from Wajir Town, combined his pastoralist background with new digital skills. He developed a simple SMS-based system for tracking livestock prices across markets. Local herders pay a small fee for daily price alerts, and Mohamed now earns enough to support his extended family while providing a valuable service to 200+ herders.
The Wajir Women’s Digital Cooperative
Twenty women from conservative backgrounds formed a cooperative offering digital services while maintaining cultural norms. They run a home-based business providing photocopying, printing, and document preparation services, with one member handling client interactions while others work from home.
County-Specific Interventions
Border Trade Digitalization: Training on cross-border e-commerce and regulations
Livestock Economy Tech: Mobile apps for veterinary services and market information
Women’s Digital Literacy Circles: Community-based learning groups
Emergency Response Digital Skills: Training on using digital tools during droughts
Challenges Overcome
Extreme Distances: Implemented satellite-based training in remote areas
Cultural Sensitivity: Female trainers for women’s groups, male trainers for mixed groups
Limited Infrastructure: Used solar-powered devices and mobile generators
Seasonal Migration: Scheduled training around nomadic patterns