Fibre Optic Connectivity: A Game-Changer for West Pokot
Until recently, West Pokot had been considered one of the most isolated regions in Kenya. Now it is connected with the latest fibre optic cable technologies. This major achievement links many of the government offices and public institutions to the national network by putting into practice this development with trends in the world and modern standards.This was assured when the CEO of ICTA, Stanley Kamanguya, toured the project. He noted that even though online services are increasingly accessible in the region, some areas remain unreachable. Arrangements for further extension of the network to those far regions are underway.
Impact on Public Institutions and Service Delivery
To date, over 200 public institutions both at the national and county levels along the highway are benefiting from the high-speed fibre optic cables. "We are committed to rolling out digital connectivity across the county as part of the President's vision to transform Kenya into a full digital economy," Kamanguya said. He explained that the project entailed a 700 km digital superhighway from Eldoret to Nadapal in Turkana County.This has ensured very effective service delivery because the institutions are enjoying an improved internet service today. Kamanguya urged Kenyans to maximize the digital superhighway comprising, among other things, free public WiFi at bus stops and marketplaces, enabling them to conduct online trade and converse with people at minimal cost.
Challenges in Implementation and Collaboration
This digital superhighway implementation did not come without challenges. Kamanguya noted that during the implementation of this project, heavy rains and security issues made it drag, adding that he was happy with the cooperation between West Pokot County and ICTA, which ensured the project succeeded despite the challenge.Martin Lotee, the CECM for Public Service Management, ICT, and Devolved Units, hailed the project, indicating that about 50 county government institutions were now connected and enjoying online services. He challenged ICTA to extend the network to under-served areas, especially in Pokot North, Kacheliba, and parts of Pokot South.
Joining the Digital Revolution
The Deputy County Commissioner of West Pokot, Wycliffe Munanda reiterated the need to embrace the digital revolution that has since been embedded in the operations of public service, urging internet connectivity facilitation to cover all government offices in the county and thereby level the work environment for public servants.He also called upon the young generation, the so-called Gen Z, to make productive use of the internet through content creation opportunities as well as jobs rather than falling into cybercrime.
Education for the Future and Cost Efficiency
High-speed internet connectivity has also been a boon for education establishments in the region. Olive Owiti, Manager of Chepareria's Youth Centre, spoke highly of the effects brought about by the Ajira Digital Programme and the Jitume digital skills initiative in giving the youths the opportunity to work online and receive digital literacy training.Stephen Akuto, the Senior Principal of Chewoyet National School, said they appreciate the effort by the government of providing free internet through last-mile connectivity. He says this will enable students to keep abreast of what happens around the world and engage their counterparts in other schools in virtual learning, which will improve their academic performance.
The school previously incurred an expenditure of about Sh7,000 per month on the internet through Safaricom, but these costs have really been reduced courtesy of the government's free internet and are increasing efficiency in learning as more students can participate in online classes at the same time.