NAIROBI, Kenya- Kenya is on a mission to bridge the digital divide, and the newly launched ICT Authority (ICTA) Strategic Plan 2024-2027 is at the heart of that goal.
With a focus on improving digital infrastructure, access, and literacy, the plan promises to transform Kenya’s digital landscape within the next three years.
The ICTA’s new strategic plan comes with a hefty price tag of Sh 304.37 billion, but it’s geared towards creating a digital environment where everyone has access to affordable and user-friendly solutions.
A key focus is addressing barriers to access, particularly the cost of digital services, and making sure data and information are easily accessible in inclusive formats.
To back these ambitions, ICTA is looking to raise funds from the sector, starting with Sh 800 million, with an aim to secure Sh 1.5 to Sh 2 billion annually over the next three years.
ICT and Digital Economy Cabinet Secretary Margaret Ndung’u emphasized the importance of building “digital bridges” that ensure no community is left behind, particularly women in rural areas.
The plan also aligns with the National Digital Masterplan 2022-2032, which aims to lay 100,000 kilometers of fiber optic cable and set up 25,000 public Wi-Fi hotspots alongside 1,450 Digital Village Smart Hubs.
The plan will enhance e-government services, including the digitization of manual records, business process automation, and promoting data sharing across agencies.
This will make accessing government services easier and more streamlined, with the introduction of a single unique identifier for citizens to access digital services.
Margaret Ndung’u noted, “We are progressing toward automating public services and digitizing records, which will make government processes more efficient and accessible to everyone.”
This holistic approach to digitization will support innovations and help Kenya embrace new technologies, especially in the realm of cybersecurity and corporate architecture.
With a nod toward the future, ICTA CEO Stanley Kamanguya highlighted how digital transformation could serve as a crucial driver for Kenya’s economic growth.
He stressed the need to scale up innovations to address socio-economic challenges and reduce operational inefficiencies across industries.
Kamanguya also pointed out that partnerships and collaborations would play a critical role in meeting the strategic plan’s lofty goals, particularly given Kenya’s ongoing challenges with fiscal consolidation.
In an exciting addition, the ministry also announced preparations for the Connected Africa Summit 2025, where leaders across the continent will convene to continue driving digital transformation.
The summit follows on the heels of this year’s event, which saw the introduction of the Nairobi Declaration, calling for increased internet connectivity, data investments, and youth upskilling for digital jobs.
