The State Department for Broadcasting and Telecommunications Principal Secretary (PS), Steve Isaboke, has pledged to provide 10 desktop computers to journalists operating from the Mombasa Media Hub to enhance their work.
Speaking during a visit to the Media Hub located at the Little Theatre Club in Mombasa, Isaboke, accompanied by Mvita Member of Parliament Mohammed Machele, commended the facility for providing a productive environment for media practitioners and creatives.
“I am happy to be here today after several invitations from Machele. The government of President William Ruto is focused on implementing the Digital Superhighway and Creative Economy, which is one of the five pillars of the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda,” said the PS.
He said the government has established 1,450 digital hubs across the country, with at least one centre in every ward, to support innovation, digital literacy, and access to information.
“We are committed to equipping all the established hubs. I assure you that 10 computers will be delivered to this centre by March, and I may come personally to hand them over,” he stated.
The PS praised journalists for their role in informing, educating, and entertaining the public, emphasising their contribution to national development.
“I respect the journalism profession. You are the link between the government and the people in this information age. Many of you have started your careers here and gone on to national and international levels, and we will continue supporting you,” said Isaboke.
He also announced plans to collaborate with the State Department for Youth Affairs to strengthen creative programmes at the Little Theatre, adding that his colleague PS Fikirini Jacobs will visit the facility next year to explore partnership opportunities.
On his part, MP Machele thanked the PS for visiting the Media Hub, noting that the engagement would help him lobby for more resources to support local journalists, artists, and performers.
“I have been urging the PS to visit this hub and theatre so that he can see firsthand the environment journalists and creatives work in. His visit today gives us a better platform to advocate for the support we need,” said Machele.
By Sitati Reagan and Hassan Bahati
