Coding with confidence: Nairobi’s iHub shapes the future for girls in tech 

While many students have access to computers at school and at home, Cynthia would not have access to a computer until she was 19. Growing up in Nairobi, Kenya, neither her school or her family could afford such a luxury, excluding Cynthia from future career opportunities.  

Now, through SOS Children’s Villages Nairobi Community iHub, she is studying data science and JavaScript essentials—and she wants more girls to have the same opportunities. 

“Our mentors at the hub tell us you should not feel discouraged. Do the course that you want to do,” Cynthia said. “To those who talk negatively and say you can’t do it, prove them wrong.” 

Across Kenya, girls continue to face significant barriers to entering the digital world—from limited access to internet and devices to cultural norms that discourage them from pursuing technology-related studies. While national policies aim to close the gap of girls in Information and Communication Technology (ICT), the reality is many girls are still left behind in a rapidly digitizing economy. 

A safe space for learning and growth 

Located at SOS Children’s Village Nairobi in Buru Buru, the Nairobi Community iHub is an SOS program that provides teenagers and young people with a safe place to learn essential digital and soft skills. Under the protection of safeguarding-trained staff, young people can also access resources and connect with mentors, ICT coaches and like-minded peers. Since its opening in May 2023, hundreds of young people have been coming to iHub each month. 

The iHub, part of the Digital Villages Project, provides not just access but encouragement. With bright murals painted by participants and a culture of open discussion, it is a place where young women feel welcomed and empowered to explore ICT.  

In Kenya, the digital landscape is evolving rapidly, yet connectivity remains a challenge. As of 2023, internet use hovered around 43-45%, but many rural and underserved areas continue to struggle with infrastructure, power challenges and device affordability. 

Bridging the digital divide 

This digital divide—the unequal access to technology and digital literacy training—disproportionately affects girls and young women. In Kenya, cultural norms and limited access to digital devices prevent many from exploring STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) fields.  

Currently, women represent only about a third of ICT students in Kenya. Fewer women apply for, participate in and complete ICT programs compared to their male counterparts.  

Coach Edith, a mentor and aspiring master’s student in ICT, understands these challenges firsthand.  

“ICT is still a male-dominated field,” she shared. “You tell your parents you want to study ICT, and they suggest secretarial work instead. Meanwhile, they encourage your brother to pursue technology. We have to change this.” 

By 2030, over 230 million new jobs across Sub-Saharan Africa will require ICT skills, with 50–55% of jobs in Kenya expected to depend on digital capabilities. Without focused efforts to support girls and women, many risk missing out on high-quality career opportunities—while the country misses out on a large pool of untapped talent. 

Looking ahead 

Girls in ICT Day 2025 is not just a celebration—it is a call to action. The Nairobi Community iHub is proving that when young women are given the tools, space and encouragement to explore technology, they thrive. Now, the challenge is to scale these efforts, reach more young people, more communities and create even more safe spaces where girls can own their digital futures. 

As Cynthia stated, “I believe as a woman, you can enter this field—you can make it and do it. We should reach more girls in schools and give more girls mentors and access to digital hubs to show them how.” 

Girls are at the forefront of the future. In spaces like the Nairobi Community iHub, they connect, learn and collaborate to shape a more dynamic technology landscape—in Kenya and beyond.