In Kikao, Wajir County, farming has traditionally been viewed as work for the older generation. Many young people often leave rural areas in search of better opportunities, believing agriculture offers little hope for growth or income. Limited access to information and training has also made it difficult for farmers to improve their practices and adopt modern farming methods.
But through Mawingu’s internet connectivity, a new story is beginning to unfold, with new opportunities opening for young people in the community.
For Said, a young farmer from Kikao in Wajir, access to reliable internet provided by Mawingu has opened doors to knowledge, learning and opportunity. Through Mawingu Wi-Fi, young farmers are now using digital platforms to learn modern farming techniques, access agricultural information, and connect with ideas beyond their community.
“Farmers in Wajir are becoming old, so we decided to bring fellow youth together and train them about farming, and Mawingu Wi-Fi is helping us do that,” Said explains.
With support from connectivity, youth groups in Kikao are teaching each other different farming methods, learning how to plant and harvest more effectively, and exploring ways to improve food production. The internet has become an important learning tool, helping young people access information that was previously difficult to find in remote areas.
“We come together as youths and teach ourselves different types of farming. We compare ourselves with other farmers from outside our county and then decide what we can improve,” he says.
Mawingu connectivity is also helping farmers respond more quickly to challenges affecting crops and livestock. In pastoral communities where animal health is critical, access to timely information can help protect livelihoods. Young farmers in Kikao are now able to search online for solutions, learn about diseases, and access guidance on animal and plant health without travelling long distances.
“When we have health problems with animals or plants, we check online because getting medical help can sometimes be difficult, especially here where a veterinarian may only visit once a year,” Said says.
Beyond farming knowledge, connectivity is changing how young people view agriculture itself. Instead of seeing farming as outdated work, many youths are beginning to recognize it as a pathway toward self-employment, innovation, and economic growth.
This transformation reflects Mawingu’s mission of using connectivity to unlock opportunities in underserved communities. Mawingu CEO, Farouk Ramji emphasizes that internet access is not just about being online, but about empowering communities with tools that improve lives and create opportunities for growth.
“When we started Mawingu, our mission was simple but ambitious: to bridge the digital divide by making reliable internet accessible and affordable for communities that had been left out of Kenya’s digital growth story,” said Farouk Ramji, CEO of Mawingu. “Wajir represents that mission coming to life.”
In Kikao, the impact is already visible. Young people are becoming more involved in agriculture, farmers are accessing information more easily, and communities are using Mawingu Wi-Fi to solve everyday challenges.
As connectivity continues to reach more rural communities, stories like Said’s show how internet access can change narratives, inspire young people, and strengthen livelihoods in places that were once digitally excluded.
To learn more about Mawingu’s commitment to rural connectivity and digital equity, visit Mawingu.
To learn more about Mawingu Foundation, you can contact Charles Watiri on charles.watiri@mawingu.co or visit Mawingu Foundation
