Kenya’s Ministry of Information, Communications, and the Digital Economy has announced plans to classify the internet as an essential service, aiming to expand access to information, communication, education, and economic opportunities for all Kenyans. This initiative was revealed by the Cabinet Secretary (CS) William Kabogo during his appearance before the National Assembly Committee on Communication, Information, and Innovation.
CS Kabogo committed to presenting a Cabinet Memo seeking the classification of the internet as a vital and essential service, which would exempt it from wayleave requirements. This move, he explained, is intended to accelerate the rollout of the country’s digital superhighway and boost connectivity across Kenya. “We will table a Cabinet Memo requesting that internet be classified as a vital and essential service so that it is exempt from wayleaves demand to accelerate connectivity,” stated Kabogo.
The announcement comes in response to concerns from the Committee about the slow pace of implementing the ambitious 100,000-kilometer digital superhighway and other key programs. CS Kabogo highlighted the ministry’s progress despite funding constraints, noting that only 18 out of the targeted 390 digital hubs have been established, and 1,500 kilometers of fiber optic cable installed against a goal of 5,000 kilometers.
Despite these challenges, the ministry has surpassed targets in other areas. The Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) sector has created 19,650 new jobs against a target of 10,000, and the Ajira Digital program has trained 49,513 youths in digital skills. Kabogo also provided an update on infrastructure projects, confirming that the construction of the Konza Complex is progressing well and the Kenya Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KENYA-AIST) is set for handover in March.
Principal Secretary for Broadcasting and Telecommunications, Prof. Edward Kisiang’ani, who accompanied the CS, stressed the ministry’s critical role in the government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA). He called for adequate funding to ensure the ministry can effectively support the six BETA pillars. “The engine that runs all those pillars is this ministry,” noted Kisiang’ani.
The Committee Chair, John Kiarie Waweru, voiced the Committee’s support for fast-tracking the ministry’s programs, emphasizing the importance of communication in combating misinformation and keeping the public informed about government services. “A government that does not communicate runs the risk of misinformation, mal-information, and fake news,” Waweru stated.
The meeting concluded with discussions on the ministry’s policy framework, program implementation, and budget allocations, highlighting the urgent need for resources to achieve the country’s digital transformation goals.