The government has urged the private sector to expand fibre internet connections to 8.5 million homes and businesses.
The private sector has successfully connected Sh1.2 million businesses and homes across the country with fibre internet.
The connection will increase access to internet services in addition to the ongoing connectivity of over 74,000 public institutions that include secondary schools, primary schools, county commissioners’ offices, chiefs’ offices, and hospitals, among others.
In this effort, the Government has already laid 14,000 kilometres of fibre with a target to lay 100,000 kilometres of the fibre cable that would increase connectivity.
Speaking in Kakamega during the launch of Jitume Digital Hubs, Town Hall Meeting, and Digital Economy Conference, Information, Communications, and the Digital Economy, Cabinet Secretary (CS) Dr. Margaret Ndung’u said the government is committed to connecting the digital superhighway up to the villages to ensure Kenyans have access to internet that is affordable at the household level.
“The government aims to ensure digital services are accessible at all locations, including homes, schools, hospitals, and chief’s camps, enabling easy access to documents,” the CS noted.
She also noted that with the increased access to the internet, the government is keen on enforcing cyber hygiene at the household level to ensure children are protected while navigating the internet.
“Avoid giving kids digital devices, expecting them to navigate content, and be vigilant to protect our future generation from potential threats,” she added.
The CS noted that the fibre connection to villages, homes, and businesses would reduce the cost of internet access, making it affordable to citizens while unlocking opportunities in the digital space.
“It is about disposable income; nobody should use 10 per cent of their disposable income to access digital services, because it needs to be a public good; it needs to be a basic right, so that you have to access government services at an affordable rate,” she added.
She noted that the availability of free Wi-Fi has directly driven an increase in smartphone ownership as locals are now willing to invest in smartphones knowing that they can access free internet.
The Principal Secretary, State Department for ICT and Digital Economy, Eng. John Tanui, noted that the government is clear in the areas of digital superhighway and creative economy to make sure that no one is left behind.
“We want to ensure that there is a digital hub in every ward, and we thank our members of parliament. The amendment of the NG-CDF act has been done to enable the use of the kitty to support the digital hubs, so it’s a reality and something we are working on,” he said.
By Moses Wekesa