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Phyian Karinge, founder of Young Techiez, is transforming Kenya's tech landscape by amplifying the stories of young innovators and bridging critical skill gaps, fostering a more inclusive digital future for the nation.
Inside a modest creative studio in Nairobi, the atmosphere hums with quiet determination. Young innovators gather around a camera, adjusting angles and fine-tuning sound. Behind the scenes, 28-year-old Phyian Karinge, founder of Young Techiez, offers steady encouragement to a nervous interviewee preparing to share their story. This scene encapsulates the essence of Young Techiez: a grassroots tech storytelling platform that has become a lifeline for Kenya's rising innovators, amplifying voices often excluded from the mainstream narrative.
Karinge, a product manager by profession, launched Young Techiez three years ago as a passion project. It has since evolved into a movement dedicated to telling authentic African technology stories, driven by a vision to inspire, inform, and transform. Her journey into tech was not without its challenges; after graduating with a Bachelor's in Business Information Technology from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), she struggled to find her footing in an industry seemingly dominated by software development and engineering.
Kenya has been actively pursuing digital transformation, with initiatives like the Digital Literacy Programme (DLP) aiming to integrate technology into education and prepare students for a digital future. The government's vision is to equip pupils with relevant skills for today's digital world, providing devices to over 20,000 public primary schools and enhancing teachers' ICT skills. In May 2025, Kenya launched the National Digital Literacy Skills Curriculum, a transformative initiative to standardise digital skills training and empower 20 million citizens digitally by 2032.
Despite these efforts, a digital divide persists. While 58% of Kenyans have internet access, only 29% possess a basic level of digital literacy, according to a 2021 Ibrahim Forum Report. This gap hinders economic growth and creates missed opportunities, particularly for youth. Youth unemployment in Kenya stands at 35%, significantly higher than the national average of about 10%, with over one million graduates entering the job market annually.
The Kenyan government, through its Digital Literacy Programme, has focused on providing digital devices, developing teacher capacity, ensuring broadband connectivity, and creating digital learning content. These efforts align with Kenya's Vision 2030, which aims to transform the country into a newly industrialising, middle-income nation by developing a skilled workforce. The recently launched National Digital Literacy Skills Curriculum is structured across four levels—foundation, basic, intermediate, and advanced—and prioritises underserved communities, including women, youth, and informal sector workers.
Phyian Karinge's Young Techiez platform addresses a critical need for relatable narratives within Kenya's tech ecosystem. Many young innovators feel isolated, facing challenges such as lack of capital, mentors, and role models. Karinge believes that by demystifying tech and showcasing diverse career paths beyond coding, more young Africans will see themselves as shapers of technology, not just users. Her platform features stories of individuals who have overcome significant hurdles, from a waiter who became a successful engineer to a woman who transitioned from selling second-hand clothes to working in big tech.
Through Young Techiez, Karinge has empowered over 3,000 aspiring technologists and partnered with educational platforms to upskill more than 150 students in areas like data analytics and web design within six months. Her impactful work earned her a WomenTech Global Award and recognition among Kenya's Top 40 Women Under 40.
Key Statistics on Digital Literacy and Youth in Kenya:
The persistent digital divide and high youth unemployment rates pose significant risks to Kenya's economic and social development. Without adequate digital skills, a large segment of the youth population may be excluded from the burgeoning digital economy, potentially exacerbating existing inequalities. While government initiatives are in place, challenges such as infrastructure issues, maintenance, and budget constraints can impede the full realisation of digital literacy programmes. The lack of access to capital and mentorship for young innovators also limits their potential to contribute to the tech ecosystem.
While the impact of platforms like Young Techiez is evident in individual success stories, the broader, long-term effects on national digital literacy rates and youth employment require continued monitoring and evaluation. The effectiveness of government policies in reaching the most marginalised communities, particularly in arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs), remains a critical area of focus. Additionally, ensuring the sustainability of grassroots initiatives like Young Techiez, which often operate with limited resources, is an ongoing challenge.
Phyian Karinge continues to expand the reach and impact of Young Techiez, attracting collaborators and partners who believe in its mission. The government's National Digital Literacy Skills Curriculum aims to empower 20 million citizens digitally by 2032. Ongoing efforts are focused on bridging the digital divide and fostering an inclusive digital future for all Kenyans.
Observers will be keen to see how the National Digital Literacy Skills Curriculum is implemented across all counties, particularly in rural and underserved areas. The continued growth and impact of platforms like Young Techiez will also be a key indicator of grassroots engagement in tech education. Furthermore, the collaboration between government, private sector, and civil society organisations will be crucial in addressing the challenges of youth unemployment and digital exclusion in Kenya.
