In an era where digital transformation is not just an option but a necessity, initiatives like the Twende Digital Program are setting the stage for sustainable growth and innovation among Kenya’s businesses. As a core partner with the Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA), Twiva is at the forefront of this movement.
With the launch of Twende Digital Cohort 3 on 10th March 2025, Twiva continues to drive positive change by equipping businesses—especially small and medium enterprises (MSMEs)—with the digital skills and tools needed to thrive in a competitive market.
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A Collaborative Vision for Digital Transformation
The Twende Digital Program, spearheaded by KEPSA and co- funded by the Challenge Fund for Youth Employment (CFYE), is designed to accelerate the digital transformation of Kenyan businesses. KEPSA, which represents the interests of the private sector in Kenya, has long been a catalyst for change, advocating for policies and initiatives that drive economic growth. Through Twende Digital, KEPSA is not only addressing the digital skills gap among businesses but also fostering an ecosystem where innovation can flourish.
Dr. Ehud Gachugu, Ag. Deputy CEO and Global Director of Youth & Jobs at KEPSA noted that “The Twende Digital Program creates a powerful synergy where SMEs and young people grow together. While SMEs gain critical digital expertise and market access, young people earn meaningful, decent jobs as resellers through social and influencer marketing strategies. This win-win model fosters economic development and resilience and contributes to closing the unemployment gap in Kenya.”
Twiva’s partnership with KEPSA in this program is a strategic alliance that leverages deep digital expertise and industry insights. As a core partner, Twiva plays a critical role in designing and delivering targeted digital training and support through its innovative digital solutions, such as social commerce. This collaboration ensures that participating businesses can actively take advantage of the digital landscape to grow and scale their businesses.
The Launch of Twende Digital Cohort 3
The launch of Twende Digital Program: Cohort 3 marks a significant milestone in the program’s journey. This latest cohort is focused on empowering a new wave of entrepreneurs and MSMEs with practical, hands-on digital skills. Participants are immersed in a comprehensive curriculum that covers everything from social media marketing and e-commerce optimization to digital branding and customer experience management.
By focusing on real-world applications, the Twende Digital Program ensures that businesses can immediately implement the strategies learned and see tangible improvements in their operations. Additionally, the cohort structure fosters a community of like-minded entrepreneurs who can share experiences, challenges, and success stories, thereby creating a collaborative network that extends far beyond the training sessions.
Twiva’s Role: Catalyzing Digital Empowerment
Here’s how Twiva is driving positive change through the Twende Digital Program:
1. Expert-Led Training and Workshops
Twiva brings industry-leading expertise to the table by curating training sessions that are both innovative and practical. The workshops are designed to demystify digital concepts and offer actionable insights that businesses can apply immediately. Whether it’s mastering social media advertising or leveraging data analytics to refine marketing campaigns, Twiva’s training sessions equip participants with the skills required to navigate the digital landscape effectively.
2. Tailored Digital Solutions
Understanding that every business is unique, Twiva provides tailored digital solutions that address the specific challenges and opportunities faced by individual enterprises. By working closely with each participant, Twiva helps identify digital gaps and crafts customized strategies that align with the business’s goals. This personalized approach not only boosts digital readiness but also fosters a culture of innovation and continuous improvement.
3. Mentorship and Continuous Support
Beyond the classroom, Twiva is committed to offering ongoing mentorship and support. Recognizing that digital transformation is a journey rather than a one-time event, Twiva’s experts/coaches remain available to guide businesses as they implement new strategies. This long-term support is crucial for ensuring that the benefits of the training are sustainable and that businesses continue to evolve in line with digital trends.
KEPSA’s Strategic Role
KEPSA’s involvement in the Twende Digital Program adds a critical layer of credibility and reach to the initiative. As an organization that champions the interests of the private sector, KEPSA plays a pivotal role in mobilizing resources, shaping policy recommendations, and advocating for digital transformation at a national level. Through its support, KEPSA helps create an enabling environment where MSMEs can embrace digital innovation without hesitation.
By partnering with organizations like Twiva, KEPSA ensures that the digital upskilling of businesses is aligned with broader economic goals. This alignment is crucial for driving inclusive growth as it enables businesses to tap into new markets, streamline operations, and ultimately contribute to job creation and economic resilience.
Impacting Lives and Strengthening the Economy
The combined efforts of Twiva and KEPSA through the Twende Digital Program are already showing promising results. 400 businesses that have participated in previous cohorts have reported increased online engagement, improved sales figures, and enhanced customer satisfaction. More importantly, these success stories are inspiring a new generation of digital entrepreneurs who are ready to take the reins and drive Kenya’s economic future.
The positive impact of the program extends beyond business metrics. By empowering MSMEs, the initiative is playing a significant role in job creation, particularly among the youth, with more than 1,500 jobs created directly from the program thus far. This has created a much-needed boost to the overall employment landscape in the country.
Looking Ahead
The launch of Twende Digital Cohort 3 is not just a new chapter for the program—it’s a reaffirmation of the commitment to digital excellence and economic empowerment. As Twiva continues to contribute to the positive changes of this transformative initiative, the vision of a digitally empowered Kenya becomes increasingly attainable.
With KEPSA’s strategic guidance and Twiva’s innovative approach, the Twende Digital Program stands as a testament to what can be achieved when strategic partners join forces. Together, they are not only equipping businesses with the skills and tools needed for digital success but also laying the foundation for a more inclusive, dynamic, and prosperous economy.
In a world where digital readiness is synonymous with competitiveness, initiatives like Twende Digital are crucial. By empowering Kenyan businesses to harness the power of digital technology, Twiva and KEPSA are paving the way for a future where innovation drives growth, opportunities abound for the youth, and every enterprise has the potential to thrive on the global stage.