The ICT Authority has unveiled an ambitious plan aimed at reducing digital inequality and enhancing Kenya's digital infrastructure over the next three years. The recently launched ICTA Strategic Plan 2024-2027 focuses on transforming the digital landscape by redesigning business processes, improving digital culture, and optimizing the country's digital environment.
Bridging the Digital Gap in Kenya
At the core of the strategic plan is the commitment to addressing digital inequality by removing barriers to access, lowering costs, and simplifying the use of digital solutions. Additionally, the government aims to enhance digital literacy by upskilling and reskilling citizens, ensuring they can thrive in an increasingly digital world.
The plan will also support businesses by expanding access to digital products, services, and solutions. It seeks to address gaps in the cybersecurity framework and embrace new technologies. ICTA emphasizes the importance of making all stakeholders aware of ICT mandates and investments, helping them understand the potential benefits.
A Multi-Billion Shilling Investment
The plan is expected to cost the ICT Authority approximately KSh 304.37 billion to realize its vision. Currently, the authority collects KSh 800 million from the ICT sector and has plans to increase annual funding to around KSh 1.5 billion to KSh 2 billion over the next three years.
During the launch, ICT and Digital Economy Cabinet Secretary Margaret Ndung'u stated that the strategic plan aligns with Kenya Kwanza's National Digital Masterplan 2022-2032. Ndung'u highlighted the government’s efforts to expand Kenya's fibre network by laying 100,000 kilometres of fibre optic cable. Additionally, the ministry is working on establishing 25,000 public Wi-Fi hotspots and 1,450 Digital Village Smart Hubs nationwide.
E-Government Services and Digital Transformation
CS Ndung'u also discussed the progress in digitizing government services, focusing on the automation of processes and the digitization of manual records. These efforts will improve data sharing across government agencies, making it easier for citizens to access public services.
“With this strategic plan, we are building digital bridges across the nation, ensuring that no community or individual is left behind in our digital evolution,” Ndung'u said, emphasizing the importance of empowering women in rural areas through digital technologies.
The strategic plan aims to create avenues for transformational initiatives, including national digital literacy programs, the expansion of broadband infrastructure, and the further development of e-government services, ensuring that public services are accessible to every citizen.
Economic and Social Impact of Digital Growth
According to Stanley Kamanguya, the CEO of ICTA, Kenya is at a pivotal moment in its economic development. Traditional growth models have reached their limit, and the country must embrace digital transformation to sustain GDP growth. Kamanguya noted that closing the digital gap will enhance efficiency and innovation by reducing unnecessary physical interactions across various sectors through technology.
He also highlighted the need to support innovators in scaling their solutions to a commercial level. By fostering local innovation, Kenya can tackle socio-economic challenges and build a more resilient digital economy.
Collaborative Efforts and Fiscal Challenges
Kamanguya called for partnerships and collaborations to implement the programs outlined in the strategic plan. He observed that Kenya is at a critical point where fiscal consolidation requires reducing government spending while maximizing existing assets and investments.
The ICT ministry also announced plans for the Connected Africa Summit 2025, following the success of this year’s event. The summit aims to advance the Nairobi Declaration, which prioritizes internet connectivity, data sharing, and digital skills across the continent.
A Digital Future for Africa
The Nairobi Declaration, made during the 2024 Summit, emphasizes the need for African countries to collaborate in utilizing digital infrastructure for inclusive economic transformation. A key recommendation from the summit was the establishment of an Africa Cybersecurity and AI Council to address the emerging risks of accelerated digitalization.
“We confirm our commitment to propelling Africa into a digital future where there is equality, inclusion, sustainability, transparency, and accountability,” Ndung'u said. With this in mind, the Connected Africa Summit 2025 is positioned as a flagship event advancing the digital transformation agenda across the continent.