The Communication Authority of Kenya (CA) has launched the Universal Service Fund (USF) Strategy 2023-2027, a platform that will enable Kenyans to participate actively in the global digital economy.
The Chairperson of the Board of Directors, Communications Authority of Kenya, Ms Mary Mungai, said the Universal Service Fund embodies Kenya to deepen meaningful ICT connectivity and ensures that no Kenyan, regardless of location, income, age, or ability, is left behind in the digital revolution.
“Access to communication and digital services is a fundamental universal right. This not only enables humans to lead meaningful lives but is also a key driver of sustainable development,” she said.
Speaking at the launch held at a Nairobi hotel, Ms Mungai said the USF initiative is one of the Kenya Kwanza Government’s Bottom-up Economic Transformation Agenda through the Digital and Creative Economy Pillar, which creates a positive impact on the lives of Kenyans across the country.
She said the new USF Strategy provides a clear roadmap for supporting the Digital Superhighway to bridge the digital divide across the country by prioritizing inclusion, equity, innovation, and resilience in the expansion of connectivity and digital infrastructure.
“Looking at the significant progress realized since the operationalization of the USF 10 years ago, I commend the Authority for the efficient stewardship of the Fund, witnessed through proactive and efforts to support the deployment of ICT infrastructure,” stated Mungai.
The Chairperson lauded the significant progress realized since the operationalization of the Universal Service Fund 10 years ago and commended the Authority for the efficient stewardship of the Fund, witnessed through their efforts to support the deployment of ICT infrastructure.
“The Digital Superhighway initiative is hinged on a robust plan to enable our citizens to access broadband through the deployment of 100,000 km of fiber, and 25,000 Wi-Fi hot spots,” said the Chairperson.
She added, “This is an ecosystem that promotes digital skilling and job creation through the 1,450 ICT hubs across every ward in Kenya.”
Ms Mungai described the Digital Superhighway access as affordable, inclusive, and secure, noting that it empowers the youth to code, farmers to access markets, health workers to reach patients remotely, and entrepreneurs to market their products across the globe.
Through the National ICT Master Plan, the government has plans of putting the country on the next frontier of digital connectivity by enabling schools, hospitals, government offices, and businesses with high-speed Internet to guarantee seamless service delivery, enhance collaboration and contribute to quality of life.
The government has enhanced digital skilling initiatives, thereby equipping young people with much-needed skills to navigate a digitally enabled world, access job opportunities, spur innovation, and support Kenya’s quest to be a leader in the ICT landscape.
She, however, noted that the high cost of devices, internet services and insufficient digital skills training remain a barrier to full participation in the digital economy and assured of CA’s commitment to bridging the digital divide among the youth, women, and persons with disabilities.
Ms Mungai said CA also intends to address last-mile connectivity, infrastructure maintenance, and access to growth capital for startups.
She mentioned that the challenges the country faces are complex and multifaceted, a need that requires active participation of the private sector, academia, civil society, and every Kenyan to supplement government efforts.
“Together, we must foster innovation that addresses our most pressing challenges and advance policies that safeguard our collective interests while encouraging progress. The government alone cannot achieve the vision of a connected, inclusive, and empowered Kenya,” she urged.
In his remarks the Chairman of the Universal Service Advisory Council, James Ongwae, said the launch has renewed the Council’s promise to bring digital inclusion to every village, every school and every home.
“The Council’s mission is to invest in projects that spark real change, transform communities, and deliver true value for every shilling spent,” he said, adding that USF is a beacon of equity and ensures no one is left behind on this journey of transformation.
The development of the USF Strategy 2023-2027 focuses on three key result areas which include expanding infrastructure and services, developing digital skills and local content and enhancing institutional capacity.
Ongwae said the three key result areas will bring ICT services, devices, and products accessible, available, and affordable for all and empower Kenyans with the skills and content they need to thrive in the digital world, besides strengthening the USF’s ability to manage and administer the Fund with excellence.
Speaking at the event, David Mugonyi, Director General, Communications Authority of Kenya, announced that to date, USF has availed mobile connectivity to nearly 800,000 people spread across 156 sub-locations in 24 Counties and transformed 56 public libraries into vibrant e-resource centres, including tailored support for the visually impaired.
“Through the USF, we have also connected 886 public secondary schools to high-speed Internet, integrating ICTs in schools, making learning relatable and enjoyable,” said Mugonyi.
He added that through the fund, the Authority is also supporting the establishment of 47 Centres of Excellence in 47 Counties and 1,450 ICT hubs in every Ward in the country, as it partners with the Konza Technopolis Development Authority to a tune of Sh.2.8 billion.
The USF Strategy will bolster digitization across critical sectors – education, agriculture, justice and health – ensuring that learning content, farming information, and government services are accessible even in the remotes parts of the country.
By Rashid Naif and Brenda Oluoch
