The Kenyan government, led by Chief Secretary Edward Kisianani, will release Sh2.8 billion from the Universal Service Fund (USF) to strengthen digital connectivity across underserved regions. The initiative aims to establish his 25,000 WiFi hotspots and his 1,450 digital hubs across the country, significantly improving access to technology and internet services.
Expanding the digital frontier
The allocation of funds by the Ministry of Finance underlines the Government’s commitment to closing the digital divide and promoting socio-economic development through technology. Professor Kisianani highlighted plans to allocate 3 per cent of the National Government and Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF) to infrastructure upgrades in these digital hubs. These hubs are categorized as Centers of Excellence, Standard, and Normal and are designed to provide communities with superfast broadband and access to a variety of services, including digital literacy training and public access to government services. Masu.
Strengthening infrastructure and skills
With the installation of 10,000 kilometers of fiber optic cables, Kenya aims to build a digital superhighway that will not only enhance connectivity but also support digital skills development and create job opportunities. The initiative is in line with his 10-year digital master plan for Kenya, which focuses on innovation for digital infrastructure, services and data management, digital skills, and entrepreneurship. Professor Kisianani also announced the approval of a new structure for the Ministry of State Broadcasting and Communications, which marks a strategic move towards upgrading and expanding Kenya’s digital environment.
Improving economic growth and digital literacy
Dagoretti South MP John Keary Waweru stressed the importance of digital connectivity initiatives, noting that they are expected to contribute to the national gross domestic product (GDP) by 2025. With over 15,845 services digitized and 1.2 million digital literacy (DL) devices distributed to 22,000 schools, government efforts are clear to improve digital literacy and prevent revenue leakage due to increased collections. The purpose is The establishment of WiFi hotspots and digital hubs will drive digitalization efforts, with Kenya projected to play a key role in Africa’s digital evolution.
As Kenya embarks on an ambitious journey to strengthen its digital infrastructure, it will have a major impact on expanding the economy, creating jobs and improving the quality of life for its people. The government’s strategic investments in technology reflect a forward-thinking approach to development and position Kenya as a leader in Africa’s digital revolution. With continued focus and execution, these initiatives promise to transform Kenya into a digitally empowered society that is able to meet the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century.
