Developing a Digital Maturity Index (DMI) tool

To support local governments in Kenya on their journey toward digital transformation, Akvo Kenya Foundation and VNG International collaborated to develop a Digital Maturity Index (DMI) tool. The DMI provides a structured framework for assessing digital capabilities across different service sectors within a local government - as well as the overall institutional level. Through standardised performance indicators and intuitive dashboards, the DMI enables counties to identify strengths, expose digital gaps, and chart strategic priorities for digital transformation.

Above: Full shot of african kids with laptop Designed by Freepik


Partners

VNG International


Sector

Agriculture

Health

Education


Services

Platform development

User needs assessment

 


Location

Kenya

The challenge

Many county governments in Kenya face difficulties in understanding where they stand in their digital transformation journeys. Existing frameworks are often too generic or disconnected from local realities, making it hard for governments to assess digital readiness and define actionable strategies. There was a clear need for a customised, context-aware assessment tool to support data-driven digital planning and decision-making.

 

The solution

Akvo and VNG International adopted a co-creation approach to design and pilot a context-specific DMI tool. The project was implemented in the following stages:

  • Scoping and stakeholder engagement: A comprehensive review of global Digital Maturity Frameworks was conducted to inform the localised DMI design. Consultations helped ensure alignment with county-level digital transformation goals.
  • Designing metrics, methods, and measurements: Developed a tailored set of DMI metrics, assessment methods, and measurement criteria. These were aligned with sector-specific digital transformation goals and structured across multiple dimensions of digital maturity, including Governance, Service Design, Service Provision, and Infrastructure.
  • User needs assessment and piloting: The tool was field-tested in Turkana and Kitui counties, where it was refined based on practical insights and feedback. This step ensured real-world applicability and relevance.
  • Digital readiness dashboard and roadmap: A Power BI dashboard was created for visualising DMI results, enabling intuitive, real-time data analysis. A Digital Transformation Roadmap Guide was also developed, offering counties a strategic path to improve digital capabilities in the short and long term.
Above: The Digital Maturity Index tool

The impact

This project marks a significant step forward in building data-informed digital governance at the county level in Kenya. The DMI tool empowers local governments to:

  • Benchmark digital maturity in priority sectors
  • Make informed investment and policy decisions
  • Engage in self-assessments or remotely facilitated evaluations
  • Define clear, actionable roadmaps for digital transformation

The approach has already led to deeper digital self-awareness in pilot counties and is paving the way for scalable deployment across other regions.

In the final phase, Akvo and VNG developed a DMI toolkit for counties and a Facilitators Guide for implementing partners, setting the stage for widespread adoption and long-term impact. We are now preparing to roll this out to other countries and contexts, adapting the approach to local needs and priorities.