Since 2019, the Huduma Whitebox program in Kenya has managed to register 2,401 innovators. The program, under the management of the ICT Authority, has focused on incubation, capacity building, market linkages, commercialization, and the elevation of the local ventures to global standards.
Achievements and Progress
There are 188 innovations that have managed to be registered in the Whitebox program and are at a viable level. Most of these innovations have already been launched into the market. The innovations seem primarily to enhance the government’s economic agenda, and this has proved to be a success for the Whitebox program in nurturing and growing the local human talent.
ICT Authority CEO Stanley Kamanguya, when speaking concerning the program ahead of the ICT Week under the theme Innovation for a Sustainable Digital Future, mentioned that the Authority was excited to have over 2,000 innovators successfully registered. It is currently holding over 464 innovators. This is in response to the goal to empower more through incubating their ideas, linking them up with the market, and introducing their solutions into bettering government service delivery and solving real public problems.
Collaboration and Support
Kamanguya cited that the implementation of innovation concerning collaborations from all angles was just as important. The program has successfully partnered with 18 counties, including Isiolo, Makueni, Embu, Meru, Bungoma, Kakamega, Kiambu, Homabay, Migori, Uasin Gishu, Laikipia, Nyeri, Narok, Mombasa, Machakos, Thika, Kericho, and Nakuru. In a bid to enhance local innovation ecosystems, the Whitebox has helped 18 counties to foster innovation at both national and international levels.
Together with the counties, the ICT Authority has harnessed the capacity of 75 academic institutions, hubs, county offices, and Ajira Centres to establish a robust innovation ecosystem. All these engagements are meant to increase the reach to government funding programs for better investment and networking opportunities for innovators.
Capacity Building and Technical Support
Whitebox has a capacity building drive in partnership with different organizations. Through training, innovators gain knowledge on various topics to ensure that their innovations are viable and marketable. To form part of this training and support, an innovator needs to create an account on the portal used by the Whitebox program. They can then submit innovations at the portal where they will get enrolled by the program for incubation.
The continued support by the White Box Program.
Based on their viability potential, innovations are recommended for technical assistance. Other innovations are identified by the ICT Authority’s incubation process. Innovations that are prioritized are those that advance the government’s agenda. These form part of the BETA (Big Four Agenda) framework. To date, 100 such innovations have been identified for advanced support and to eventually get commercialized.
Future Prospects
While Huduma Whitebox continues to expand, the implications are that it does have influence on the innovation’s landscape in Kenya. Firstly, the program not only supports the government’s economic agenda but also increases the culture of innovation and entrepreneurship. Giving it the right resources to grow, then the Huduma Whitebox will be an agent for sustainable digital growth that positions Kenya as the hub for innovation in Africa, and the rest of the world. To apply, Kenyans can head over to https://whitebox.go.ke/