MANDERA, Kenya — Mandera Senator Ali Ibrahim Roba has accused Google of applying unequal standards in updating satellite imagery in Kenya, arguing that the neglect of arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs) amounts to digital exclusion and undermines equal citizenship.
Roba questioned why Google Earth imagery for Mandera County and other ASAL regions remains outdated and unreliable while other parts of the country receive regular updates.
“If Google can update imagery elsewhere, there is no justification for neglecting ASAL regions,” he said, adding that “equal citizenship demands equal digital visibility.”
ASAL regions, which cover more than 80pc of Kenya’s landmass and are home to a significant portion of the population, have long complained of systemic marginalisation.
While the Constitution recognises marginalised communities and obliges the State to take affirmative action to address historical injustices, critics argue that digital infrastructure and data access have lagged behind physical development.
Roba framed the issue as more than a technical lapse, describing it as “selective service delivery” with real-world consequences.
The senator’s comments also intersect with Kenya’s broader digital transformation agenda. The government has championed initiatives such as the Digital Superhighway, e-government services and open data to drive inclusion.
Yet disparities persist between urban centres and remote regions, not only in connectivity but also in the quality and timeliness of data.
Roba’s intervention adds a governance lens to what is often treated as a technical issue, casting satellite imagery as a matter of rights and equity rather than convenience.
As Kenya pushes for inclusive development and digital governance, the question of who is visible on the digital map—and who is left behind—appears set to attract sharper scrutiny.
