Girls in Tech: Kenya’s Progress and Persevering Challenges
Mwitu Primary School in rural Machakos, eastern Kenya, is a hub of digital innovation. Rows of girls, aged 14 and 15, sit attentively in an ICT classroom, their faces illuminated by the glow of laptops and calculators as they work on a coding project. The scene is a testament to Kenya’s concerted efforts to bridge the digital divide and empower girls in technology. However, despite this progress, the road to tech success remains fraught with challenges for many young women.
Enrolment in ICT classes has increased significantly in recent years, thanks in part to government initiatives like the ‘Girl in ICT’ programme, which aims to equip girls with the skills and confidence to pursue careers in technology. Digital literacy has also improved, with more girls accessing computers and mobile devices in schools and homes. Moreover, innovation hubs and incubators have sprouted across the country, providing girls with opportunities to develop and showcase their tech projects. Notably, some notable female-led startups have gained international recognition, such as the mobile health app, M-Tiba, and the digital payment platform, M-Pesa.
Yet, despite these advancements, girls in Kenya continue to face numerous barriers in their pursuit of tech careers. One of the primary obstacles is the lack of role models and mentors. Many girls grow up without exposure to successful women in tech, making it difficult for them to envision themselves in these roles. Additionally, societal expectations and stereotypes often dictate that girls should prioritize domestic and caregiving responsibilities over education and career aspirations. Furthermore, the tech industry itself is often dominated by men, making it challenging for women to break into a male-dominated field.
The historical context of Kenya’s tech sector also sheds light on the challenges faced by girls today. In the early 2000s, Kenya’s tech industry was largely driven by a small group of entrepreneurs, mostly men, who saw the potential for mobile technology to transform the country’s economy. Although this period of rapid growth and innovation laid the groundwork for the country’s current tech ecosystem, it also created a power imbalance that has persisted to this day. The dominance of men in the tech industry has, in part, contributed to the underrepresentation of women in leadership positions and the dearth of female-led startups.
Moreover, the education system in Kenya has been criticized for perpetuating gender disparities in technology education. Girls often have limited access to STEM subjects in schools, and when they do, they are frequently relegated to lower-level courses or encouraged to pursue subjects like business or languages. This lack of exposure to technical subjects can make it difficult for girls to develop the skills and confidence needed to succeed in tech careers.
To address these challenges, various stakeholders are working together to create more inclusive and supportive environments for girls in tech. The government has introduced policies aimed at increasing girls’ participation in STEM education, including the provision of laptops and tablets in schools. The private sector is also playing a crucial role, with companies like IBM and Microsoft launching initiatives to promote girls’ inclusion in tech. Additionally, non-profit organizations, such as the African Girl’s Network, are working tirelessly to provide girls with access to technology education, mentorship, and career guidance.
The reactions to these efforts have been mixed. Some have praised the government’s commitment to increasing girls’ participation in tech, while others have criticized the lack of concrete action to address the structural barriers that prevent girls from pursuing tech careers. Meanwhile, the tech industry has been called upon to do more to promote diversity and inclusion, with many arguing that the industry’s slow progress in this area is a major obstacle to girls’ success.
As the world watches the progress of Kenya’s tech sector, one thing is clear: the challenges faced by girls in tech are not unique to this country, but are rather a symptom of a broader global issue. The path to a more inclusive and equitable tech industry will require sustained efforts from governments, the private sector, and civil society to create a supportive ecosystem that empowers girls to pursue their tech dreams. In Kenya, the scene is set for a new generation of girls to take centre stage and drive innovation and progress in the tech sector. As the girls at Mwitu Primary School continue to code and innovate, their futures are a testament to the boundless potential that lies within them – and the world is watching.