NAIROBI, Kenya- Kenya’s Communications, Information, and Innovation (CII) Committee recently grilled the ICT Authority (ICTA) on the progress and sustainability of several key digital initiatives.
Among the initiatives scrutinized were: the ambitious Kenya Digital Economy Acceleration Project (KDEAP), the e-Citizen platform, and public Wi-Fi projects.
With Kenya’s digital transformation high on the agenda, the CII Committee sought answers on the future of these critical ventures.
The meeting, chaired by Hon. John Kiarie, kicked off with questions about the ICT Authority’s role in managing digital projects.
Kiarie pressed ICTA CEO Stanley Kamunguya for clarity: “Is ICTA a regulator or an implementor? What is ICTA’s project sustainability plan?”
Kamunguya quickly clarified that ICTA functions primarily as an implementor, with regulatory duties falling under the Communications Authority of Kenya.
He added that ICTA focuses on building and delivering digital infrastructure, though there have been challenges with maintaining public Wi-Fi networks.
To address this, Kamunguya revealed plans to switch to a lease model, where suppliers would handle maintenance—a move aimed at ensuring the long-term sustainability of public internet services.
The committee also honed in on two high-profile initiatives: the Ksh 3.5 billion Kenya Digital Economy Acceleration Project (KDEAP) and the e-Citizen platform. Hon. Kiarie questioned how these projects are being managed, with particular focus on ownership and oversight.
Kamunguya explained that the e-Citizen platform, which facilitates a wide range of government services online, was officially transferred to government control in January 2023.
Initially overseen by the Attorney General, it was later handed over to the Ministry of Immigration in July 2024. Meanwhile, ICTA managed the platform before the handover and has remained involved in broader digital transformation efforts.
Public Wi-Fi was another hot topic, with Hon. Hamisi Kakuta expressing frustration over incomplete ICT hubs. “The hubs were launched, but the computers have never been connected to the internet,” he pointed out.
Kamunguya clarified that while ICTA supplies devices for these hubs, internet connectivity falls outside their purview.
Concerns about the practicalities of launching additional Wi-Fi hotspots while existing ones remain offline were raised.
Finally, the discussion shifted toward Starlink, the legislators favored partnership to address connectivity gaps, particularly in remote areas.
Kamunguya confirmed ICTA is exploring options like low-earth orbit satellites, such as Starlink, to provide internet where traditional services fall short.
While ICTA has made significant strides in expanding Kenya’s digital infrastructure, the meeting revealed gaps in project completion, sustainability, and transparency.
The Committee called for more detailed reports on project budgets and timelines to improve oversight and ensure Kenya’s digital agenda progresses equitably.
