Kenya’s Ministry of Information, Communications, and Digital Economy is working in joint partnerships with devolved units for the installation and sustainable technological infrastructure countrywide.
The ICT and Digital Economy Cabinet Secretary (CS) Mr. Eliud Owalo made the announcement while on a working tour in Trans Nzoia County last Wednesday.
Speaking at the Kitale National Polytechnic where he officially launched Konza Digital Skills Laboratory under the Jitume initiative, CS Owalo disclosed the ministry was in the process of installing about 100,000 fibre optic cables as well as connecting public Wi-Fi to a total of 24,000 markets throughout
The CS who was accompanied by area County Commissioner (CC) Gideon Nyandiricha assured members of the public that similar hubs would be established at the ward level across counties.
“The sole objective of this national government initiative is to help create employment opportunities for the ballooning unemployed youth population by enabling it to leverage on the existing online platforms for sources of livelihood,” underscored Owalo who was also accompanied by Elgeyo Marakwet Governor Wesley Rotich.
Owalo further reiterated the national government’s commitment toward the expansion of internet space and accessibility in line with the ongoing national project aimed at the digitization of government services.
“With digitization of government services, Kenyans will be able to easily access the same, thus reducing time and cost wasted,” the CS added.
Trans Nzoia County Secretary Mr. Truphosa Amere expressed gratitude to the national government for the digital hubs.
Amere reassured the county administration’s commitment toward supporting the initiative, which she described as timely, especially at a time when the country is grappling with the challenge of employable graduates.
“Envisaged establishment of internet accessibility within markets and villages would enable the youth access online job and financial opportunities,” remarked Amere.
The event was also graced by the Senate ICT Chair who is also Trans Nzoia Senator Allan Chesang, ICT Principal Secretary John Tanui, County Public Service Management CEC Sam Ojwang and Kitale National Polytechnic Principal John Otieno, and former Forestry Minister Dr. Noah Wekesa, among others.
