Bootcamp for ICT Network Coordinators in Indigenous and rural communities with Rhizomatica

Status: Closed

Country: Kenya

Partner: Rhizomatica

Impact goal: 40-50 people

About the project

The Bootcamp is the in-person phase of the Blended Training Programme for ICT Network. Managers in Indigenous and Rural Communities in the Africa region, designed to strengthen the technical and organizational capacities needed to deploy, maintain, and sustain community connectivity projects in underserved territories. The program provides intensive, hands-on training in wireless infrastructure, energy systems, diagnostics, regulatory environments, and community-centered sustainability models.

Results

Bringing together 49 participants who completed five online courses, the Bootcamp took place in Nairobi, Kenya, from 23 February to 3 March 2026. As part of the Local Networks (LocNet) initiative, the program provides intensive, hands-on training in wireless infrastructure, energy systems, diagnostics, regulatory environments, and community centred sustainability models.

As an outcome of the project, participants will directly strengthen existing community connectivity projects, improving infrastructure resilience, technological autonomy, and long-term digital inclusion in indigenous, remote, and rural contexts. This is done through fieldwork with local initiatives.

The bootcamp served as a critical addition to online learning, providing:

• Practical application of technical and organizational skills
• Collaborative learning and peer exchange
• Opportunities to connect with local initiatives, institutions, and community networks
• A platform to elevate community voices and visibility in the digital inclusion agenda

Activities were organized into four key areas:

• Review of core modules – Reviewing knowledge and applying skills from the online phase
• Specialization Tracks – Focused hands-on work in areas such as broadcasting, wireless networks, or local installations
• Public Forum - a platform for multistakeholder dialogue on pathways for scaling inclusive connectivity models across the continent.
• Site Visit - physical visit to the local network
• Cultural Exchange Activities – Engaging the local community through workshops and events

Nairobi was selected due to its strategic and logistical advantages:

• It hosts AFRALTI, which offers high-quality training infrastructure.
• It is also home to TandaNet, a grassroots community network in Kibera that enables field-based engagement.
• The Kenyan Community Networks Association is a key national ally with growing leadership in the region.
• The presence of part of the programme coordination team in Nairobi facilitates closer support and follow-up.
• Nairobi’s international airport offers direct connections to many countries in Sub-Saharan Africa, making it a practical location for regional convening.
• Kenya also offers good visa processes for almost all the participants.
• Kenya’s ecosystem of connectivity initiatives and institutional support makes it an ideal host for the bootcamp.

Positive takeaways

Having the opportunity to meet and share experiences with people from diverse countries in the Africa region was an enriching experience for everyone. Participants took away a professional and personal network in which they hope to continue having spaces to keep sharing learnings and experiences after the bootcamp. Facilitators were consistently commended for being knowledgeable, approachable, and effective in delivering complex content in an accessible manner. Participants valued the interactive nature of the sessions and particularly appreciated opportunities to learn directly from practitioners with real-world experience in community-centred connectivity.

The in-person phase allowed participants to translate theoretical knowledge into practice through hands-on activities, while also strengthening trust, collaboration, and long-term relationships. The integration of technical sessions, collective reflection, and engagement with local initiatives contributed to a holistic learning experience that reflects both the technical and social dimensions of community-centred connectivity. A key highlight across reflections was the emphasis on practical exposure and field-based learning. Hands-on sessions, particularly those related to network installation and technical demonstrations, were described as highly valuable.

The visit to the the network was frequently cited as a defining moment of the Bootcamp, as it provided participants with a concrete example of how community-owned infrastructure is deployed and sustained in practice, effectively bridging theory and real-world application. However, it was noted that starting with the practicals from day one and allocating more time would be much more fruitful.

The gender dynamics and the group generating inclusive spaces were particularly valued, showing everyone's commitment to diversity and mutual respect.

The Bootcamp demonstrated the importance of territory-based learning, where training is directly linked to real-world contexts. This approach reinforced the relevance of the program and strengthened its alignment with ongoing community initiatives.

Participants also expressed appreciation for the overall organization, logistics, and hospitality. The coordination provided by Tanda, AFRALTI, and partners was widely recognized, particularly in relation to travel arrangements and onboarding processes. The structured design of the program and the comprehensive nature of the content were also positively acknowledged, with participants noting that the prior six-month online phase provided a strong foundation for in-person learning

Challenges and areas of improvement

Time management and scheduling, with many sessions described as intensive, lengthy, and tightly packed, leaving limited time for breaks and leading to participant fatigue. Some participants noted that early starts and dense programming reduced overall engagement and absorption of content. The need for increased practical exposure was another dominant theme. Participants expressed that while the content was rich, there were insufficient hands-on opportunities due to limited equipment and time. Specific gaps were identified in areas such as fiber deployment and tower climbing safety, with calls for more beginner-friendly and practice-oriented sessions.

Logistical challenges were also noted, particularly variations in accommodation quality, intermittent internet connectivity, and issues related to water and environmental comfort in some venues. These inconsistencies were seen as affecting the overall learning experience.

Beyond training content, participants also reflected on the need for stronger post-training support mechanisms. Suggestions included the establishment of alumni networks, mentorship structures, and pathways for continued engagement, including startup funding or grants to support implementation of community projects after the Bootcamp.

Participants highlighted the importance of incorporating balance and well-being into future programmes, noting the absence of recreational activities, cultural exploration, or informal networking spaces. The Bootcamp was described by some as “intense and packed,” with limited opportunities for rest, reflection, or cultural engagement.

About the partner

Our partner Rhizomatica is on a mission to make alternative telecommunication infrastructure for people around the world.

Visit their website here to learn more about them.