State pushes for fiber internet access to 8.5 million businesses

Moses Wekesa-KNA

The Government has urged the private sector to expand fiber internet connections to 8.5 million homes and businesses. So far, the private sector has successfully connected 1.2 million businesses and homes across the country with fiber internet.

This initiative will increase access to internet services in addition to the ongoing connectivity efforts for over 74,000 public institutions, including secondary schools, primary schools, county commissioners’ offices, chiefs’ offices, and hospitals, among others.

In this effort, the government has already laid 14,000 kilometers of fiber, with a target to lay 100,000 kilometers of fiber cable to further increase connectivity.

Speaking in Kakamega during the launch of the Jitume Digital Hubs, Town Hall Meeting, and Digital Economy Conference, the Cabinet Secretary for the Ministry of Information, Communications, and the Digital Economy, Dr. Margaret Ndung’u, emphasized the government’s commitment to connecting the digital superhighway up to the villages to ensure that Kenyans have access to affordable internet at the household level. 

“The government aims to ensure digital services are accessible at all locations, including homes, schools, hospitals, and chiefs’ camps, enabling easy access to documents,” the CS noted.

She also highlighted that with increased internet access, the government is focused on promoting cyber hygiene at the household level to protect children while navigating the internet.

“Avoid giving kids digital devices and expecting them to navigate content on their own,” she added.

The CS pointed out that the fiber connection to villages, homes, and businesses will reduce the cost of internet access, making it more affordable for citizens while unlocking opportunities in the digital space.

“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 use of the kitty to support the digital hubs, so it is a reality and something we are working on,” he said.