Advocating for Digital Equity in Kenya: Isaboke Pushes for Technological Access Among Excluded Populations
Kenya has unveiled an ambitious plan to bridge the digital divide by establishing 1,450 digital hubs across every ward in the country. This initiative, aimed at boosting digital inclusion and ensuring equitable access to digital services nationwide, is a significant step towards sustainable economic development.
At the heart of this plan is the Universal Service Fund (USF), a government-backed fund dedicated to expanding Information and Communication Technology (ICT) access in underserved areas. The USF will finance the setup, equipment, and operational costs of these digital hubs, focusing on affordability and sustainability. The goal is to provide access points for digital learning, innovation, and services in each administrative ward, transforming them into community anchors for digital literacy, e-government services, and entrepreneurship support.
The digital hubs are part of a broader strategy to empower marginalized communities, including women, youth, and persons with disabilities. Alongside infrastructure deployment, capacity building programs target digital literacy for these groups to enhance their participation in the digital economy. This includes training in digital skills, online safety, and use of e-governance services.
The government is collaborating with various entities to amplify these narratives. The Kenya News Agency (KNA), KBC, and Government Advertising Agency (GAA) are tasked with spreading awareness about these initiatives. In addition, the MyGov publication will feature documentaries and stories about marginalized communities, shedding light on their struggles and successes in the digital age.
The "whole government approach" is embraced by the State Department, which looks forward to working together to ensure inclusivity. Principal Secretary Stephen Isaboke has committed to bridging the digital divide in Kenya and reaffirmed the State Department's commitment to inclusive development and creating awareness.
This multi-pronged approach is part of Kenya's wider vision for inclusive economic development and digital transformation under frameworks like Vision 2030 and the Digital Transformation Strategy 2020-2030. The establishment of 1,450 digital hubs, backed by the Universal Service Fund’s financing, represents a concrete step to bridge the digital divide by making ICT accessible at the grassroots level and empowering communities through digital opportunities.
PS Isaboke has also urged for the production of documentaries and stories about marginalized communities, with the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation playing a pivotal role. Digital inclusion, according to Isaboke, will align with the government's Bottom-up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA). The collaboration between various entities is a significant step toward ensuring marginalized communities are seen, heard, and empowered.
The government is also collaborating with the Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC) to achieve this. PS Isaboke emphasized the role of digital communications in documenting these efforts, including the establishment of 25,000 Wi-Fi hotspots in public spaces. This initiative, coupled with the digital hub plan, underscores Kenya's commitment to a digital-first future where no one is left behind.
[1] Universal Service Fund (USF) - https://www.commsauth.co.ke/universal-service-fund/ [2] Digital Transformation Strategy 2020-2030 - https://www.ict.go.ke/digital-transformation-strategy-2020-2030/ [3] Vision 2030 - https://vision2030.go.ke/ [4] Bottom-up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) - https://www.betagovernment.go.ke/
- The digital hubs, funded by the Universal Service Fund (USF), will serve as access points for education-and-self-development resources, providing opportunities for individuals to learn digital skills and participate in the digital economy.
- With a focus on general-news, the Kenya News Agency (KNA), KBC, and Government Advertising Agency (GAA) will amplify the initiatives taken to bridge the digital divide and ensure equitable access to digital services.
- The government's plan includes collaborating with entities such as the Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC) to establish 25,000 Wi-Fi hotspots in public spaces for promoting lifestyles that incorporate technology, thereby fostering a digital-first future in Kenya, as outlined in the Digital Transformation Strategy 2020-2030 and Vision 2030.
