Estdev

The mutual relationship between Kenya and Estonia has grown since 2017. At that time, Estonia held the Presidency of the Council of the European Union. Estonia assists Kenya in achieving its sustainable development goals and, in particular, carrying out measures that bring systemic, lasting change and contribute to the eradication of poverty.

As an international partner, ESTDEV concentrates its efforts in areas where Estonia has specific added value to offer, including innovation and expertise in digital issues and e-governance. In Kenya, this expertise is directed toward education, digital development, and entrepreneurship. Additional EU Member States and local public sector organisations are an integral part to ESTDEV’s work in ensuring that these changes are sustainable.

Between 2013 and 2021, Estonia invested €2 million in development cooperation projects in Kenya. During this period, 26 projects were initiated in Kenya in support of refugee welfare, humanitarian missions, education, digital development, and resource and environmental sustainability. As of September 1, 2022, there were eight ongoing projects in Kenya that support, among other things, the deployment of e-learning solutions, digital literacy, sustainable forestry, agricultural practices, and the establishment of national registers.

Global Sustainable Development Goals in Kenya

Priority Areas of Estonian Development Cooperation in Kenya

• Digital transformation – assessing national digital maturity and providing a corresponding roadmap that includes the development of existing and new e-services and e-government tools
• Entrepreneurship – developing a start-up ecosystem and increasing 21st-century skills among young people, increasing the ability of young people and women to compete in the labor market, and introducing digital opportunities through evolving skill sets
• Education – providing e-learning solutions, making e-learning materials more accessible, and developing digital competence

Important Documents

• Estonian Foreign Policy Development Plan 2030
• Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Aid Program 2022-2025 (Estonian language only)
• Estonian Regional Strategy for Africa 2020-2030 (Estonian language onyl)
• Estonia’s Cooperation with African Countries
• Kenya Digital Readiness Study – a journey towards human-centred digitalisation

Ongoing Projects in Kenya