The Kenyan government is working to ensure that every part of the country is connected by creating full mobile network coverage throughout the country and providing free internet. It is going to be a highly ambitious plan and one that promises seamless communication and digital services to the country in accordance with the Kenya Kwanza Manifesto.
Ensuring Mobile Network as a Basic Need
Speaking to the press outside the County Commissioner's office, the Chairman of the Universal Service Advisory Council, James Ongwae, observed that mobile network services are no longer a luxury, but a basic need in the current world. "Mobile network is a basic need. It is not good that Kenyans in some parts of the country cannot speak to their brothers and sisters living in other areas while others enjoy free communication," Ongwae noted.
The government has ensured a commitment to addressing this through the improvement of access to mobile networks across the country. Ongwae indicated that among the counties which had been most neglected included Narok, West Pokot, Turkana, and Kajiado. However, efforts have been rolled out with support from the Communication Authority of Kenya, CAK, to bridge these gaps and ensure no man is left behind in reliable connectivity.
ICT: A Driver of Economic Growth
Ongwae also reiterated that ICT was a key enabler in the development of the Kenyan economy. "We are talking about ICT, which is an enabler of all economic pillars like tourism, agriculture, livestock, mining, education, security, and good governance," he said. For the most part, mobile connectivity and access to the internet are expected to be an important tool for growth and development in many aspects of the economy.
Free Access to the Internet in Schools and Public Spaces
As indicated in the government's digital strategy, free internet services are set up in areas with limited access. In the case of Narok County, ten schools, two libraries, and 15 special schools have so far been connected to free internet services. In addition, the institutions are also being equipped with digital learning materials to increase the benefits associated with going online by students and teachers.
Besides that, the national digital superhighway extending from Maai Mahiu to Narok and further to Bomet counties is about to be completed. Once completed, this will ensure that free and reliable internet connectivity extends into the public sphere of bus terminals, markets, and Ole Ntimama stadium.
Closing the Gaps in Connectivity
This commitment was echoed by Narok Central Deputy County Commissioner Kennedy Mwangome, whose office was working in close collaboration with the Communication Authority to identify gaps in mobile network coverage. Such a collaboration was important in pointing out areas which were still blind in terms of good connectivity and hence needed attention to improve connectivity.
Linus Nairimu, the member of the county executive committee in charge of ICT, however, acknowledged that 33 sites were not covered, of which ten had already been switched on. Twenty-three others are expected to go live soon, bridging the digital divide even further.
Bridging the Digital Divide
This is but a commitment on the part of the government and other relevant authorities to be seen as pursuing bridging the digital and development gap in Kenya. In this respect, the country will be building a conducive foundation for sustainable economic growth, efficient governance, and increased living standards for all citizens through ensuring mobile network coverage for all and free internet connectivity.
This is the government's vision of a truly connected Kenya, one that could help in empowering communities, increasing access to information, and therefore enabling more Kenyans to participate in the global digital economy. As progress continues, Kenya is ready to lead the way for digital inclusion on the African continent.