Athi Community Network

04/06/2026

ICT is no longer just about computers and internet. It is about changing lives, creating opportunities, and giving young people a future.
Under Kenya’s Vision 2030 and the Kenya National Digital Master Plan 2022–2032, the government aims to empower millions of citizens through digital skills, innovation, and internet access. Across the country, ICT hubs are being established to help young people gain practical digital skills that can help them earn online, start businesses, and compete globally.
Athi Community Network (AthiCN) is proud to have been part of this journey.
On 26th October 2023, officials from the ICT Authority visited AthiCN to assess possibilities of partnering on community digital skilling initiatives. This was part of a nationwide exercise aimed at understanding how communities can benefit from the digital economy. Later, the government adopted a broader model of working with NG-CDF offices across constituencies to establish ICT hubs in wards across Kenya.
AthiCN was also invited by the ICT Authority and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) to participate in national studies assessing digital readiness, digital skills demand, and last-mile connectivity in Kenya. These studies were aimed at supporting implementation of the Kenya National Digital Master Plan and ensuring no community is left behind in the digital era.
Today, Igembe South is among the constituencies preparing for a digital transformation through the construction of ICT hubs in all the five wards. Special appreciation goes to our area MP, Hon. John Paul Mwirigi, for supporting the establishment of these hubs that are now awaiting official launching.
The success stories already being witnessed in areas like Bungoma show the true power of these hubs. Young people are learning digital skills, accessing online jobs, starting businesses, and transforming their livelihoods through technology. The goal is not just certificates — it is real skills that can help youth earn and build sustainable futures.
This is a major win for the people of Igembe South. Through these ICT hubs, our youth will have opportunities to access digital skills, internet connectivity, innovation spaces, and global online opportunities right from our community.
The future is digital, and Igembe South is ready.

30/05/2026

CONNECTING EVERYONE
At Athi Community Network (AthiCN), we believe the internet should work for people and communities — not just profits.
The internet is no longer a luxury.
It helps students learn, businesses grow, young people access opportunities, hospitals communicate, and communities participate in the digital economy.
Our mission is simple:
-Make internet access open and affordable
-Reach underserved communities
-Build digital skills
-Ensure no one is left behind
Building and maintaining internet infrastructure is expensive, especially in remote areas. But we believe access must come first because in the information age, disconnected communities risk being excluded from opportunities.
AthiCN is a social enterprise driven by purpose and community impact.
Our team is small and many of the people supporting this work are volunteers who believe in the mission of connecting everyone.
We are also open to anyone who wants to learn:
-Network installation
-Internet technologies
-Cybersecurity awareness
-Digital skills and mentorship
We offer mentorship and training free of charge to help build a digitally empowered community.
We know the internet also comes with risks like fraud, cybercrime, and harmful content. That is why digital literacy, online safety, and responsible internet use are important parts of our work.
The internet is not the end goal.
It is a tool that enables education, jobs, communication, innovation, and opportunity.
A connected community is a stronger community.
Athi Community Network — Connecting Everyone.

26/05/2026

Athi Community Network (ATHICN) is proud to partner with the Unconnected Foundation in advancing digital inclusion and community connectivity in rural Kenya.
We are also honored to be featured alongside respected organizations and institutions such as KENAFF, Mawingu Networks, KENET, Education Development Trust, ICT Authority Kenya, Uprise Africa, and others working to expand access to technology and opportunity across Kenya.
This recognition highlights the growing importance of community networks in bridging the digital divide and empowering youth, schools, farmers, and local communities through affordable internet access and digital skills.
At ATHICN, we believe connectivity is not just about internet access — it is about creating opportunities, reducing inequality, and ensuring rural communities are part of the digital future.

25/05/2026

Athi Community Network (AthiCN) was honored to visit Konza Technopolis on 13th May 2026 together with other Community Networks in Kenya as part of the ISOC Kenya School of Community Networks 3 pre-conference activities.
Konza Technopolis, also known as “Silicon Savannah”, is Kenya’s growing smart city focused on technology, innovation, online jobs and digital learning under Kenya Vision 2030.
The Technopolis hosts the Open University of Kenya (OUK), Kenya’s first fully online public university. The university is fully registered and recognized by the Government of Kenya and offers courses in ICT, business, data science, cybersecurity and many other digital fields.
What impressed us most is that students can learn from anywhere through the internet while paying lower costs compared to many universities because there are no hostel or relocation expenses. This makes higher education more accessible to many young people and working adults.
At the same time, we understand that many students still value the physical university experience, interaction and exposure that comes with campus life. OUK therefore becomes another important option especially for learners who need flexibility, affordable education or digital skills for the future economy.
As AthiCN, this visit reminded us why affordable community internet matters. With internet access, rural youth can study online, access opportunities, learn digital skills and participate in Kenya’s growing digital economy.

23/05/2026

Last week, Athi Community Network (ACN) was honored to be recognized among leading Community Networks in Kenya during the 3rd School of Community Networks organized by ISOC Kenya.

ACN was formed to help bridge the digital divide in our rural communities by providing subsidised and free internet access, digital literacy, and ICT opportunities to young people, schools, and the community.

Today, ICT is no longer just for entertainment. The Government of Kenya through Vision 2030, CBC education, school digitisation, ICT hubs, and the Digital Superhighway is encouraging citizens to use technology for education, online jobs, business, innovation, and development.@

At ACN, we believe no community should be left behind in the digital age.

Together, we are connecting communities, empowering youth, and building a digitally inclusive future for Kenya.

20/05/2026

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=clBhXO_HGAo

Athi Community Network Seeks to bridge the digital divide in rural...

18/05/2026

Empowering Rural Youth Through Smart Agriculture & Climate Action
Climate change is real, but it can also create opportunities for our rural youth.
Agriculture, tree planting, climate-smart farming and digital access to climate information can become sources of income and self-employment. Instead of waiting for jobs, let us build solutions in our communities.
We encourage young people to form groups, CBOs, cooperatives or companies so they can access training, partnerships and opportunities together.
Athi Community Network (ATHICN) is ready to support interested youth with capacity building, digital skills and registration guidance.
The tool demonstrated in this video was developed to help our community access agriculture and climate information at NO data cost within ACN WiFi coverage areas. Just click the blue button to access the videos.

10/05/2026

Many rural schools are struggling to meet the digital requirements of the CBC curriculum due to the high cost of internet access.

Through the Athi Community Network (ACN) Free Internet Program, schools are able to access free WiFi for learning, research, online reporting, and digital literacy.

This helps schools save limited funds for other important needs such as learning materials, school maintenance, and student support.

Community networks are proving that locally driven solutions can support education and bridge the digital divide in underserved rural areas.

30/03/2026

https://youtu.be/oxa_mKxRfhQ

A local highlighting the impact Athi community Network's subsidized internet has on the local Economy.

08/03/2026

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2p3_F7wryMc

Athi Community Network has partnered with Athi Special School connecting them to the internet at no subscription cost. The institution serves learners abled ...