The Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Information, Communications and the Digital Economy, John Tanui, has expressed satisfaction with the progress of ongoing construction of digital hubs across the country, saying Kenya is on course to achieving its digital superhighway vision.
Speaking in Siaya County during an inspection tour of a standard digital hub under construction in Bondo and a Centre of Excellence digital hub in Rarieda Sub- County, Tanui underscored the importance of the facilities in driving economic transformation and enhancing access to digital opportunities at the grassroots.
He noted that the digital hubs are a key pillar in the realization of the government’s development blueprint under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda, which seeks to empower citizens through technology, innovation and enterprise.
According to the PS, construction of digital hubs in 500 wards is currently ongoing, supported through the National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF), following amendments to the NG-CDF Act that allow Members of Parliament to allocate up to three per cent of the kitty towards the construction and equipping of digital hubs. Additionally, 300 hubs have already been completed in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions across the country.
“With the change in the NG-CDF Act allowing MPs to use three per cent of the fund for construction and equipping of digital hubs, we are on course. The projects are at different stages of completion, and the momentum is encouraging,” said Tanui.
The government targets to construct and equip digital hubs in all the 1,450 wards nationwide, forming an interconnected digital superhighway aimed at expanding access to government services, online jobs and digital entrepreneurship.
Tanui, who was accompanied by Konza Technopolis Chief Executive Officer John Okwiri, ICT Authority CEO Jessy Maruti and Medical Services Principal Secretary Ouma Oluga, revealed that the government has invested Sh25 million in the construction of the Centre of Excellence digital hub in Rarieda, which is currently 50 per cent complete. The standard digital hub in Bondo is being constructed at a cost of Sh7 million.
“The physical infrastructure for the two projects will cost approximately Sh32 million. We are also working with other government entities such as Kenya Power to ensure utilities are installed and the facilities are fully equipped to meet their intended functionality,” Tanui said.
Health PS Ouma Oluga observed that the digital hubs will not only equip youth with digital skills and prepare them for online job opportunities but will also play a significant role in digitizing the health sector to improve efficiency and service delivery.
He noted that digitization will transform how patients interact with healthcare providers by introducing feedback mechanisms for suggestions and complaints, thereby improving accountability and health outcomes.
“Digitization of health services is one of our key priorities as a government led by William Ruto. The digital hubs in the wards will support this agenda, benefit the public and contribute to improved health indicators,” said Oluga.
Kisumu Deputy Governor Mathews Owili urged residents to take advantage of the hubs to access government services and explore economic opportunities.
Owili said the initiative would bridge the digital divide by opening up opportunities previously accessible mainly in urban centres, positioning rural areas as emerging centres of innovation and development.
“I want to thank President Ruto for the vision of establishing digital hubs in every ward. This will unlock opportunities for rural communities and spur inclusive growth,” he said.
By Brian Ondeng
