Government on course to establish 1,450 digital hubs countrywide, Prime CS Mudavadi say

Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has said that the government is accelerating internet connectivity to ensure that each technical and vocational education training institution (TVET) is connected to fibre.

This is with an aim to fast-track the establishment of 1,450 digital hubs across the country under the pillar of digital superhighway and creative economy.

Mudavadi noted that this initiative aims at stimulating the creation of jobs and other livelihood opportunities, especially for the youth.

Already, 274 digital hubs have been established in TVET institutions across the country.

“The digital hub model will ensure that everyone within the coverage area, including students, researchers and small business operators, has access to the Wi-Fi that it provides. In addition to the fiber internet itself, having wi-fi coverage across the entire Hub ensures anyone can bring their device to get connected.” Mudavadi noted,

The Prime CS made the remarks during the launch of the Information and Communication Technologies Digital Hub and Digital Economy Conference at Kakamega county Polytechnic earlier today.

He said the development of high end “Jitume ICT Digital Hubs” are vital entry points to the emerging digital economy that is transforming the lives of citizens throughout the country.

Technical and Vocational Education Training Institutes (TVETs) are the key beneficiaries of these groundbreaking initiative being implemented by Konza Technopolis Development Authority under the Ministry of Information, Communication and Digital Economy.

“The free internet provided in these hubs enables our youth to acquire digital skills and connect to global online learning and e-commerce resources. Access to reliable power, either from the national grid or solar systems, is critical to maximize the impact of these hubs on the local communities.” Mudavadi added.

He further explained that the hubs are important users of the fibre optic that the government has laid across the country.

“The government has practically demonstrated that leveraging digital technologies enhances efficiency and stimulates opportunities for socioeconomic transformation.” Mudavadi said.

Mudavadi noted that last week, president William Ruto led the nation in celebrating the first anniversary of the e-citizen directorate and the remarkable progress made in making Government services accessible online to all citizens across the country.
He said president Ruto’s administration has made incredible progress positioning Kenya as a world leader in the field of integrating citizen services on online platforms adding that from a mere 354 services, the government has on boarded 17,692 services on the e-citizen platform.

This represents 85 percent of all 20,721 services identified for onboarding.

“The president’s directive to collapse 1,130 pay bills into a single pay bill, 222222, for all payments for government services, has significantly cut down on leakages in Government revenue. The turnaround is encouraging and the Government now collects billions of shillings more every month.” Mudavadi said.

Mudavadi also the Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs and acting Interior and National Administration CS also pointed out the impact of the Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) launched in January 2024, noting that it has increased the number of tourists visiting Kenya by over 20 per cent.

He said the growth of the Hustler Fund which has enabled over 21 million Kenyans to easily access finance from their phones or laptops, he said is another major boost to the economic transformation of the livelihoods of Kenyans as a result of leveraging on the transformative power of technology.

“Besides accessing credit, the online portal enables entrepreneurs to access e-learning resources on how to set-up a business and grow their businesses.” He explained.

“You can use the digital hub to work online for companies here in Kenya or overseas, you can promote your goods and services online or create music and films that you can share online and make a decent living.” He added giving reference to the Open University of Kenya, which was launched 15 months ago, and has already enrolled students from across 18 counties, broadening its academic offering by introducing over 20 new programs at bachelors, masters and doctorate levels.

Mudavadi challenged the youth that the world of opportunities is right on their digital devices and since the world is currently facing a conflux of powerful forces of change that are transforming markets, economies, and societies, the government is committed to integrating technology in the entire education system, right from primary schools to high schools, TVETs and universities.

“To assure you that this is not just a promise, I am announcing here today that three schools in Vihiga County have been connected to the internet and received smart screens for training their students in digital skills. We are preparing these students for the digital economy.” Mudavadi stated.

“I am also pleased to announce the connectivity of Malava and other hospitals in this region to the digital superhighway. This will enable the doctors and the other medical staff to connect to their peers and share professional thoughts across the country and globally. Online healthcare resources will reduce the cost and time our people spend seeking medical services in the urban centres away from their local areas.” He added.

“Connecting the country to digital opportunities opens new avenues in improving lives and livelihoods supported by other sectors like agriculture and health.” Margaret Ndung’u the Cabinet Secretary for Information, Communications and the Digital Economy said.

Kakamega governor Fernandes Barasa who was also present revealed an elaborate plan to equip 12 polytechnics with modern computers and internet connectivity in all 12 constituencies in the county.

Barasa noted that the program seeks to bridge the gap in knowledge sharing and general participation in social political and economic affairs.

“There is no limit what you can learn if you are operating within these digital hubs; every new experience will open up more possibilities for as long as you are curious.” He said.

“We promised we would connect 120 million extra people to internet access across the globe by December 2025. Today, I am very proud to share with you that Huawei has already exceeded this target 1 year early. By the end of October 2024, Huawei’s ICT solutions have brought connectivity to 121 million people in rural areas of nearly 80 countries. Furthermore, 34 of those countries are on the UN’s list of the world’s 46 least developed countries. It is critical that all of us continue to work together to make sure no-one is left behind in the digital economy, and I look forward to further collaboration with our partners from government and private sector in the future.”  Huawei Deputy Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Steven Zang who was representing Huawei one of the key partners supporting the initiative together with Strathmore University’s research department said.