On Thursday, the Cabinet Secretary for Information, Communications, and the Digital Economy, Eliud Owalo, launched a new Wi-Fi hotspot in Kapsabet free air market in Nandi County, Kenya. The launch is part of the government’s ongoing efforts to provide free internet access to the youth and small business owners in the country.
“Our government is committed to providing free internet access to the youth and small business owners in the country, and this latest launch of a Wi-Fi hotspot in Kapsabet free air market is a testament to that commitment,” said Owalo.
The Kenya Kwanza government has set an ambitious goal of launching 5,000 free public Wi-Fi hotspots across the country by December 2023. Owalo stated that by 2027, the administration of President William Ruto aims to roll out 25,000 free Wi-Fi hotspots across the country. He believes that the digital infrastructure initiative will create job opportunities for at least 1.5 to 2 million people.
“We have seen that by providing free Wi-Fi hotspots in public places, we have been able to steer the youth away from idle activities and towards digital job opportunities,” said Owalo.
The launch of these WiFi programs will also help bridge the digital divide and provide access to the internet for marginalized communities who may not be able to afford the high cost of data. This is expected to create job opportunities for local youth and help them capitalize on the digital economy.
Leaders including Nandi Governor Stephen Sang, Nandi Deputy Governor Yulita Cheruiyot, and Uasin Gishu Senator Jackson Mandago were present at the launch.
The launch of this free Wi-Fi hotspot in Kapsabet free air market is a significant step towards the government’s goal of providing free internet access to the youth and small business owners in the country. The initiative to establish 5,000 free public Wi-Fi hotspots by December 2023, with a target of 25,000 by 2027, is expected to create jobs and bridge the digital divide, ultimately transforming Kenya into a globally competitive economy.