Kenya’s government has taken a significant step towards connecting the country’s remote and underserved areas by launching a public Wi-Fi service in Moi Gardens, Kericho Town. The launch, which was led by ICT Cabinet Secretary Eliud Owalo, adds to 17 other hotspots that have already been launched countrywide in Nairobi, Nyeri, Bondo, Ahero, and Kapsabet.
The government’s ambitious goal is to roll out a total of 25,000 hotspots by 2027, targeting people in markets, schools, and various value chains within the Kenyan economy. They are collaborating with Google and local telco providers to commission the hotspots and are also rolling out 100,000 kilometers of fiber-optic cable to ensure all parts of the country are ICT enabled. Free internet connectivity is expected to spur social and economic activities and contribute to national economic advancement.
The government’s initiative is expected to bring about a digital revolution in Kenya, particularly in rural areas. With access to the internet, residents will now be able to market, promote, and sell their goods and services online with ease. This will not only benefit individuals but also the entire country as it will boost the economy by enabling small businesses to expand their reach and access new markets.
CS Owalo also urged the youth to take advantage of the government’s digital initiative by tapping into the available platforms that offer jobs online. This, he said, will transform their lives by earning decent wages through online writing, transcription, affiliate marketing, and product reviewing jobs among others.
“Every year in the next five years the government will be launching 5,000 Wi-Fi hotspots in all counties and we are confident that we will meet our targets for the benefit of all Kenyans,” CS Owalo said.
To ensure that Kenyan citizens can access services anywhere, anytime, the government is also digitizing all government services and records, starting with the Ministry of Lands. This move is aimed at making the country efficient, paperless, and user-friendly.