NAIROBI, Kenya- The Kenyan government is making strides in leveraging digital technology to combat corruption and streamline service delivery.
ICT Cabinet Secretary Eliud Owalo recently emphasized this commitment during the launch of new digital hubs at Bondo Technical Training Institute and Gobei Secondary School in Bondo Sub-County.
Digital Hubs: A Tool Against Corruption
Owalo highlighted that the introduction of services on the e-Citizen platform is aimed at eliminating the bureaucratic bottlenecks exploited by corrupt officials.
“We do not want unnecessary obstacles between Kenyans and the government,” he said, vowing to “bury corruption in the grave of forgetfulness.”
Since the current Kenya Kwanza administration took office, the number of available services on the e-Citizen platform has skyrocketed from 350 to an impressive 16,972.
This expansion is part of a broader strategy to digitize government services and cut out middlemen who demand bribes for access.
Expanding Access: Digital Hubs Across the Nation
The government’s ambitious plan includes the establishment of 1,450 digital hubs nationwide, with an initial focus on Technical and Vocational Education Training centers (TVETs) and technical training institutes.
“Moving forward, we want to extend these hubs to the villages, working closely with Members of Parliament to set them up in the wards,” Owalo explained.
This initiative is not just about access to services but also about empowerment.
Since the program’s inception, 390,000 youths have received digital training, and the government has facilitated the creation of 139,000 digital jobs.
This digital transformation is central to Kenya’s vision of an empowered, tech-savvy workforce ready to thrive in the digital economy.
Local Support and Future Prospects
Bondo Member of Parliament Gideon Ochanda praised the digital agenda, expressing his readiness to convert his office in Bondo town into a digital hub to support youth employment.
Former Rarieda MP Nicholas Gumbo echoed this sentiment, urging youths to become proactive wealth creators in the digital age, moving beyond the outdated notion of job-seeking post-college.
This digital push is a critical part of Kenya’s broader strategy to enhance transparency, reduce corruption, and empower its citizens.
