Post: State Unveils ‘Digital Accelerator Program’ to Enhance Startup Ecosystem

Kisumu: The government is now betting on innovation and entrepreneurship to build a thriving startup ecosystem through the Digital Entrepreneurship Accelerator Program (DEAP). Implemented under the Ajira Digital Program, DEAP aims to transform independent online workers into agency owners, thereby generating more employment opportunities for young digital workers in Kenya.According to Kenya News Agency, Nyanza Regional Coordinator for Training and Mentorship under the Ajira Digital Program, Chriscent Makori, reiterated that the initiative seeks to accelerate aspiring digital entrepreneurs, enabling them to establish businesses that harness the power of digital platforms. The Accelerator Program specifically targets Ajira alumni who have undergone basic digital skills training and are keen on exploring entrepreneurship to create sustainable career pathways.A total of 228 young individuals from nine regions across the country have benefitted from the program since the pilot phase of DEAP commenced in 2023. "We have recorded significant impact in these regions, with one notable success story being an agency that has generated Sh2.5 million within six months after attending a two-day boot camp," Makori stated. He made the remarks during the DEAP Nyanza region boot camp held at the Ahero Multipurpose Development Training Institute in Nyando, Kisumu County.So far, the program has led to the formation of 17 successful agencies nationwide, with eight being individual enterprises. "During the mentorship and coaching phase, we don't limit the pathway. Some participants form agencies individually, while others who share similar skill sets and competencies come together to form start-ups as a team," Makori explained.Makori, who also coordinates DEAP in the region, noted that Kenya's young population holds immense digital entrepreneurial potential, which if fully harnessed could unlock innovation, create jobs, and enhance global competitiveness. "Most of the impact stories that we have recorded across the country are as a result of these young people realizing the opportunities and challenges in their communities so they are able to identify their potential and come up with unique and homegrown solutions," he noted.Makori said that the program seeks to position Kenya as a prime labour destination and a Business Process Outsourcing hub for multinational companies, aligning perfectly with the government's ambitious Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) and the 'Digital Superhighway' initiative, aimed at fostering a robust digital economy.DEAP offers a comprehensive foundational up-skilling and business coaching and mentorship phase, where participants gain hands-on experience from seasoned agency owners and experienced online workers. This involves strategic partnerships with industry players to facilitate apprenticeship placements and business opportunities, ensuring a seamless transition from training to successful digital entrepreneurship. "We link participants to established BPO owners or founders of succe ssful agencies locally, like currently we are in Nyanza region, and we engage these industry players as super mentors to support mentorship and coaching of these participants during the eight-week mentorship and coaching phase," Makori explained.