Kenya is scaling up digital skills development and expanding sustainable last-mile internet connectivity as part of efforts to bridge the digital divide, government officials, development partners, civil society, and community representatives heard at a peer learning event held in Nairobi.
Principal Secretary for Broadcasting and Telecommunications, Stephen Isaboke, told the forum when he moderated a session on Sustainable Last-Mile Internet Connectivity Models in Kenya, where he highlighted the country’s commitment to inclusive, resilient, and community-driven connectivity anchored in the Constitution of Kenya (2010) and the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).
“We are proud that over 97 per cent of the country is covered by 4G, but coverage alone is not enough. What matters is meaningful connectivity that people can actually use to improve their lives,” Isaboke said.
The forum noted that while broadband infrastructure has expanded rapidly, digital skills remain a major gap, particularly among youth, women, persons with disabilities, and communities in arid and semi-arid regions.
“If we want to move from pilot projects to real scale, we must support models that can be replicated, reinvest locally, and remain viable without permanent donor support. That is how we ensure that digital inclusion is not temporary but sustainable, inclusive, and transformative,” said Alessandra Lustrati, Head of Digital Development at the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and Senior Responsible Owner of the UK Digital Access Programme.
Through the ICT Authority, working with UK-DAP partners, Kenya has rolled out digital skilling programmes at scale using classroom-based training, webinars, bootcamps, and emerging AI-powered learning models. These initiatives are reaching millions of Kenyans across both ASAL and non-ASAL counties.
Participants observed that effective digital inclusion requires addressing the full ecosystem, policy coordination, training delivery, affordability, device access, and community uptake of digital services.
Kenya has achieved over 97 per cent 4G population coverage and approximately 30 per cent 5G reach. However, internet usage remains below five per cent in some counties, including parts of Marsabit and Mandera, due to affordability constraints, limited access to devices, skills gaps, and lack of locally relevant digital services.
“Last-mile connectivity only works when it is treated as a complete system not just infrastructure,” Isaboke said. “It requires enabling policy and regulation, fair access to spectrum, sustainable business models, environmental resilience, and affordable financing for local and community providers.”
To address these gaps, the government is prioritising last-mile connectivity through the Universal Service Fund, targeting unserved and underserved sub-locations with fibre rollout, ICT hubs, support to community institutions, and innovative access models.
PS Isaboke also underscored the importance of a strong cybersecurity ecosystem as connectivity expands.
“As we expand access, cybersecurity becomes critical to building trust, protecting infrastructure, and ensuring that citizens can safely adopt and use digital services,” he said.
Experts at the forum noted that in vast and sparsely populated regions, traditional mobile network business models often struggle, making community networks and alternative access providers essential for sustainable connectivity.
Community-led connectivity models were highlighted for addressing affordability, skills development, safety, and local ownership, while also creating new economic opportunities and supporting local entrepreneurship.
As connectivity and digital skills expand, the government is strengthening digital trust frameworks to safeguard users and critical infrastructure.
“Leaving no one behind remains at the core of our digital agenda,” Isaboke said.
The forum brought together participants from Kenya and partner countries to share lessons on scalable, inclusive, and sustainable digital development models that can be replicated across emerging economies.
PS Isaboke was accompanied by the Secretary for Telecommunications and Postal Services, Mr Alphonce Kanunga, and the Secretary for Information and Broadcasting, Mr Temesi Mukani.
By Violet Otindo
