NAIROBI, Kenya— Kenya’s push to digitize public services just got a turbo boost—thanks to bold new plans from the Ministry of Information, Communication, and the Digital Economy.
Cabinet Secretary William Kabogo has made it clear: fast, reliable internet and a digital-first government are no longer optional—they’re the future.
During a familiarisation tour at Sauti House in Mombasa, CS Kabogo announced an ambitious plan to connect all public institutions across Kenya to high-speed internet.
The move, he said, is aimed at boosting service delivery, promoting transparency, and accelerating the country’s digital transformation.
But the internet rollout isn’t the only major shift in the works.
Kabogo revealed plans to restructure two of Kenya’s biggest state-run media bodies—the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC) and the Kenya News Agency (KNA). His goal? To transform them into internationally competitive public broadcasters.
“I’m the guy who will make KBC an international broadcasting station,” he declared confidently. “But first, we must clean it up.” He emphasized that no additional funding would be released to KBC until a thorough audit and operational overhaul are completed.
He further stated that his office is actively assessing KBC’s operations across the country to identify key areas that require revamping. “That will be done,” he said, hinting at a full-scale modernization.
KNA is also set for a facelift. The CS pledged to ensure it receives adequate funding to fulfill its mandate and enhance the dissemination of development stories from across the country.
In a significant policy shift, Kabogo said the ministry is exploring a merger between KNA and the Kenya Yearbook Editorial Board (KYEB) to streamline operations and amplify the government’s narrative.
Kabogo’s nationwide tour is more than just a PR blitz. It’s part of a strategic effort to physically assess government infrastructure and digital capacity across all regions.
During his visit to KBC and KNA’s coastal offices, he confirmed that their internet systems are stable and capable of supporting better interoperability between departments.
And in case you thought health tech was being left behind, think again.
Kabogo shared promising updates on the Taifa Care initiative, which is under the Social Health Authority.
While not perfect, the system is up and running, and the CS said patient testimonials from the Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital indicate that it’s already making an impact.
To drive efficiency and curb corruption, Kabogo revealed that all ministries will soon go paperless. It’s a bold vision—but in an increasingly digital world, it’s also a necessary one.
