A cross-section of Embu County residents has hailed the government’s free public WI-FI initiative, noting that it had opened new opportunities for them in the digital space as well as lowering cost of doing business.
Residents especially those involved in Micro, Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (MSMEs), and youth involved in online work and content creation have taken advantage of free connectivity to access markets for their goods and services and also cut on high cost of data.
Traders at Manyatta Market said the free internet had boosted their trade as they were able to source and market goods through various online platforms from the comfort of their premises.
Salon operator Esther Marigu said since the public WI-FI was rolled out in the market six months ago, she has recorded an increase in business as her clients are able to use the free internet via their mobile phones as they continue being attended to.
She said her business has particularly recorded an increase in college students who stream in her salon to have their hair and makeup done as they continue browsing for free.
“The free WIFI has added value and boosted my salon’s appeal, especially among the young women, particularly college students, giving my business a competitive edge,” she said.
Additionally, Ms. Marigu said she is also able to use the cost-free connectivity to stay updated on the new and upcoming trends in hair and beauty to advance her business and remain relevant in the changing world of beauty.
Her immediate neighbor Esther Wanjira, who does a tailoring business, said she has been able to transform her trade into a “smart shop” as she was able to interact with her customers remotely.
“Nowadays, I am able to send textile patterns or finished clothing to customers through WhatsApp or Facebook, where they can approve or request for adjustments without having to come to my shop physically,” she said.
However, many residents where the public Wi-Fi has been installed appealed to the Government to increase its speed and signal range.
A boda boda operator at Runyenjes Town, John Fundi, reported that he has been forced to revert to paid data bundles to do business, as the public Wi-Fi is most of the time sluggish or there is no connectivity at all. “I spend not less than Sh. 100 on data bundles daily to stay online, connect with clients and also keep myself updated on the happenings in the country,” he said.
Fundi said with reliable connectivity, it would be easy for them to also secure Government services online without having to incur costs by going to get the services physically.
Echoing his sentiments, Denis Kinyua, an artisan, said it has become expensive to showcase and advertise his products online and the free Wi-Fi could have offered him an opportunity to reach clients outside his area of operation.
By Samuel Waititu
