Enhancing Community Networks: Insights from the National Convening in Kenya.

By, Raylenne Kambua

Community networks are emerging as critical elements in the pursuit of bridging the digital divide and in transforming communities.

IAWRT Kenya is honoured to have joined other stakeholders, community network visionaries and policy makers at the National Convening for Community Networks in Kenya from the 4th to 6th of December.

This transformative event aimed to further discussions on strategies for strengthening the sustainability mechanisms of community-centered connectivity in Kenya.

Media and Licensing as a Catalyst for Community Networks

One of the key deliberations of the convening was the pivotal role media can play in amplifying the impact and roles of community networks.

The media: Digital, print and mass media identify as critical tools for the initiatives by:

  • Raising awareness about the transformative power of community connectivity.
  • Sharing success stories to inspire replication, scale and partnerships.
  • Advocating for supportive policies and regulatory frameworks

Dr. Emma Otieno from the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA), underscored the importance of licensing community network initiatives. The bottleneck in licensing was considered a priority by a number of community networks.

Licensing forms a significant step in legitimizing operations, attracting funding opportunities, and enabling networks to seamlessly integrate into other digital strategies.

Leveraging AI for Community Networks

The popular conversation on the potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in enhancing community networks was another key subject discussed. Leonard Mabele, Head of research – AFRALTI, insisted on the need to leverage AI for its untapped potential.

Mr. Mabele also encouraged us to look beyond infrastructure and focus on other digital initiatives that serve and sustain grassroots communities. Such initiatives include training, community engagement and knowledge-sharing.

Building Sustainable Networks

A key goal of the convening was to scale a step higher in synthesizing actionable strategies for the visionary teams.

We had thorough roundtable discussions that delved into the pillars of community-centered networking, which include:

  • Capacity Building, Inclusion and Gender Integration.
  • Infrastructure and Connectivity.
  • Digital Services, Innovation, and Collaboration.
  • Regulatory and Policy Considerations.
  • Funding and Sustainability.

Brilliant representatives from community networks such as Mathare Oasis, Dunia Moja, Community Green Mindset, Kijiji Yeetu and AheriNet shared their experiences, challenges, and innovations, adding depth to these discussions.

AFRALTI and Tanda Community Network, under the LocNet initiative led by the Association for Progressive Communications (APC) and Rhizomatica, are driving a vision of community-centered connectivity.

Their support, focus on capacity building, resource mobilization, and inclusion of various community networks in initiatives such as this one held in Lake Naivasha Resort, aligns with the broader goal of bridging the digital divide and developing sustainable community networks.

A Call to Action.

The convening concluded with a rallying call for all community network stakeholders to actively participate in shaping sustainable, community-driven connectivity models and strategies.

This convening reaffirmed that with dedication, collaboration, innovation, and a commitment to sustainability, community networks can become the cornerstone of connectivity and digital inclusion across Kenya and beyond.

IAWRT is committed to supporting initiatives by community networks and contributing to the transformative role in empowering women , underserved communities and driving sustainable digital inclusion.

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