Providing rural communities with access to adequate, relevant and timely information is one of documented ways of accelerating development.  It is in recognition of this vital role of information that DMI has piloted two community information centres in remote areas, where pastoralist communities are more vulnerable to droughts and other disasters. 

The two centres are located in Merti about 250km north of Isiolo town and Elwak in Mandera Central near the border with Somalia. The centres are leveraged on the power of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) as tools for poverty alleviation, especially in rural areas. 

They are equipped with ICT tools such as computers, Internet connectivity, iPods, copier/printer, digital cameras and camcorders, television sets, DVD/video players and overhead projectors. To empower the communities to run and sustain the information centres, members undergo capacity building in basic ICT skills, film making, writing and networking skills.

The information centres offer a platform for community documentation of local knowledge focusing on disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation, indigenous early warning systems, market information and environmental issues. The centres also offer communities a platform for new income generating opportunities.