The Digital Ecosystem of Kenya: Transforming Governance for a Sustainable Digital Development

The impact of the digital transformation on countries’ sustainable development is increasingly

discussed in both theory and practice. This multidisciplinary book analyzes the implications of

digital technologies and services for governance structures and government action, particularly in

Kenya. Using the emerging concept of digital ecosystems, it uniquely combines digital

development, sustainability, and governance research. This book identifies factors characterizing

digital ecosystems and challenges to their sustainable digital development (e.g., lack of common

understanding, power asymmetries and dependencies of multi-stakeholders). For addressing

these challenges, it proposes coordination mechanisms including governance roles, governance

formats such as multi-stakeholder partnerships, as well as alternative solutions such as

coordinative digital platforms. These findings emphasize a deeper discussion around the digital

transformation as a driving force and the global emphasis on partnerships if these are to foster

and not impede sustainable development.

 

About the author

Carolin Stötzel holds a PhD in Political Science focusing on digital policy and international

cooperation. She is an expert in digital transformation, governance, and sustainable

development.