Kenya’s ICT Authority and the Ministry of ICT and Digital Economy has highlighted several digital projects that William Ruto’s administration has begun executing, including setting up 5,000 free wi-fi hotspots. The East African nation’s ICT plans were revealed during the announcement of the dates for Connected Kenya Summit Conference 2023.
ICT Cabinet Secretary, Eliud Owalo, who was in attendance, explained that the objective is to increase digital adoption in Kenya.
According to Owalo, the government has been executing different efforts to encourage digital transformation and the creation of a knowledge-based economy.
Among these initiatives are many landmark projects aimed at improving the country’s digital infrastructure, increasing internet access, and encouraging the use of technology in government services.
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Owalo said that the government is interested in developing fiber optic infrastructure. In achieving this, he explained that the government is building 100,000 kilometers of fiber optic infrastructure across the country to increase internet connectivity. More people, particularly those in rural regions, will benefit from quicker and more dependable internet connection.
The ICT CS also indicated that a significant increase will be seen in the number of state-funded Wi-Fi hotspots.
Why Kenya Is Focusing On ICT
According to Owalo, this is intended to make the internet more accessible to the Kenyan people. As a result, the government is deploying 25,000 Wi-Fi hotspots across the country to provide free internet access to more individuals, particularly those who cannot afford to pay for their own connection.
The ICT Boss also cited innovation hubs, claiming that the government is establishing 1,450 of them across the country to help the technology industry thrive. These centers will allow tech entrepreneurs and innovators to cooperate, share ideas, and create new goods and services.
He said the Digital Superhighway program also emphasised automation and digitalisation of government services at the commencement of the Ruto administration. According to the CS, the government is speeding up the automation and digitalization of all essential government functions at the national and county levels. This would make it easier for residents to use the internet to access government services such as filing for permits or paying taxes. In the coming days, other services, such as access to birth and death certificates, will also be computerized.
There’s also the National Physical Addressing System, which he said has taken a long time to implement. Nonetheless, Owalo claims that the government is doing the same to make it easier for businesses and consumers to locate and utilize services. This would also help the country’s e-commerce sector develop.
In terms of digital literacy, the ICT CS noted that the government is providing citizens with such training to ensure that everyone has the skills and knowledge necessary to fully engage in the digital economy.
Owalo explained that Kenya is strategically projecting itself as a technology sector leader by investing in technology and innovation. This is seen in the listed projects which he said are just a few of the ways the Kenyan government is strategically promoting digital transformation and creating a more inclusive and fair society.
Kenyan Govt.’s Days Achievement In 100 Days
Recall that the ICT CS had in December 2022, stated key achievements of the Kenya Kwanza government in 100 days since President William Ruto assumed office.
During a television interview on Wednesday, Owalo cited the opening of the hustler fund, the decrease of fertiliser costs, the introduction of over 10,000 housing units, and the continued connection of free internet across the country as among the government’s successes in fewer than 100 days.
The ICT CS stated that the government is committed to ensuring that Kenya shifts from a consumer to a producer of ICT software and hardware in the future.