Google Unveils Sh1.1 Billion Grant to Support Kenya's Post-COVID-19 Recovery Efforts

US technology giant, Google has announced a $10 million (Sh1.1 billion) grant to support Kenya’s post-COVID-19 recovery plans.

The package was announced by Google CEO, Sundar Pichai during a virtual meeting with President Kenyatta on the sidelines of a public discussion on digital transformation in Africa.

The forum was organized by the Corporate Council on Africa (CCA), a US-based trade association focusing on strengthening trade ties between the US and African economies.

State House said $3 million will go towards supporting small businesses, $5 million to Kenyan startups, and $2 million for charity.

“Thank you and your team for being very close collaborators with Kenya over the years. We started our journey some almost two decades ago to try and start moving into the digital world,” President Uhuru told Pichai.

“You have been a good part of that journey. A journey that has enabled many Kenyans through the use of technology and digitization to access financial services, knowledge and to enhance their business capacities,” the President told Mr. Pichai.

Further to this, Pichai said the company will expand the Google for Startups Accelerator program this year by supporting 100,000 businesses and 15,000 developers in Kenya.

Google will also train 29,000 students and 1,800 teachers in Kenya on remote learning using its Google Classroom platform.