By Robert Nyasato
The Government has rolled out the Digital Master Plan (DMP) in response to the growing demand for internet services, aimed at bridging gaps in the digital economy.
The DMP targets the rollout of 100,000 kilometres of fibre optic cable nationwide and the establishment of 25,000 public Wi-Fi hotspots in markets, bus terminals and community centres.
Broadcasting and Telecommunications Principal Secretary Steve Isaboke said that 1,450 ICT hubs across Kenya will also be unveiled as part of the last-mile connectivity initiative.
“The Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda is geared towards ensuring robust connectivity to power data-driven innovation while guaranteeing equity, inclusion and access to information,” said Isaboke.
The Principal Secretary was speaking in Nairobi during the Global UK Digital Access Programme (DAP) Peer Learning Event, dubbed The Edge Convention.
He noted that the Universal Service Fund complements these efforts by de-risking private investment and financing connectivity initiatives aimed at bridging the digital divide. He added that the BETA plan ensures that economic benefits arising from these investments reach the bottom of the pyramid.
The event brought together delegates from Brazil, Indonesia, South Africa, Nigeria and the United Kingdom. The convention was also graced by Universal Service Advisory Council Chair, Mr James Ongwae.
Isaboke disclosed that last-mile internet connectivity will initially target uncovered and underserved communities.
“Sustainability in last-mile connectivity can only be achieved if we address four mutually reinforcing dimensions: financial and commercial, technical, institutional, and socio-economic sustainability,” he said.
He lauded the private sector for playing a pivotal role in deepening connectivity.
“Mobile network operators, internet service providers and infrastructure companies invest heavily in network expansion, data centres and innovative last-mile solutions, bringing scale and efficiency that complement public efforts,” he noted.
The Principal Secretary said the Government remains committed to creating an enabling investment climate through policy certainty, streamlined licensing, equitable spectrum management, incentives for rural deployment, public-private partnerships and open-access frameworks.
“We have also witnessed the profound impact of community-centred internet connectivity models and are keen to support the expansion of community networks, small-scale wireless internet service providers, cooperatives and ICT hubs anchored in schools, health facilities and libraries across the country,” he told the meeting.
He emphasised that no one will be left behind, noting that women, youth, persons with disabilities, the elderly and marginalised groups will benefit fully from expanded internet connectivity.
A resilient cybersecurity ecosystem, he added, is indispensable for meaningful connectivity, as it builds user trust, protects data integrity and critical infrastructure, safeguards against cyber threats, and enables the safe adoption of digital services.
“I am impressed by the work being done through the National KE-CIRT at the Communications Authority of Kenya and the National Computer and Cybercrimes Coordination Committee (NC4) in enhancing our cyber readiness,” he said, adding that the UK Government has been instrumental through the Africa Cyber Programme.
He further said the UK Digital Access Programme has been critical to Kenya’s progress, supporting progressive spectrum frameworks, community network models, shared spectrum approaches, Universal Service Fund studies and evidence-based policy development.
Sectoral institutions such as KICTANet, he noted, play a vital role in influencing policy through independent research, multi-stakeholder engagement and advocacy, enriching public discourse while recognising that sustainable last-mile connectivity is a long-term endeavour.
Sustainable internet connectivity, he said, requires coherent policy and smart regulation, blended financing, strong institutions, community participation and continuous adaptation.
The Government, he assured, will continue to enable and coordinate these efforts, while the private sector drives innovation and scale, with the Universal Service Fund serving as a proven mechanism to bridge the digital divide.
“As we advance towards universal access, we must prioritise service quality, affordability, institutional connectivity, productive use, digital trust, security and resilience,” he added.
The forum was jointly convened by the UK Digital Access Programme and KICTANet.