In Muthurwa County the Administration of Nairobi through the Information and Communication Technology Authority initiated Free Public Wi-Fi at Wakulima Market

By Abdul Rahman Bangura-

Wakulima Market
Photo Credit: kerosi.com

NEW AFRICA BUSINESS NEWS (NABN) Freetown, Sierra Leone– This endeavor was presided over by Cabinet Secretary for ICT & the Digital Economy, Hon. Eliud Owalo. He strives at facilitating public to have access, to fruitful, quick, and credible internet that is crucial for financial and scholastic improvement.

The liftoff of the public Wi-Fi hotspot at Wakulima Market pursues November’s launch of a related profitable enterprise at Nairobi’s City Market. It similarly occurred simultaneously with the 2022 Jamhuri Day celebrations where technology and innovation took center stage under the theme: Innovate, inspire and connect in line with the government’s agenda of prioritizing universal internet provision to the citizenry.

The Cabinet Secretary pointed out that, this launch arrives at a moment when Kenya is expending phenomenal notoriety to enabling enhanced livelihoods for Kenyans in every sector of the economy while underscoring that access to affordable, stable and safe Internet is a critical integral enabler, in this regard.

“My ministry is committed to providing e-government services and software solutions to the people’s abiding needs. We are going to move from one corner of the country to the other, not only ensuring that our proposed extra 100,000 km of fiber optic cable are being laid out, but also that we are enabling Kenyans to access the superhighway through Government funded hotspots. The success of the recently launched Hustler Fund, for example, depends heavily on functional digital technology, everywhere in the country. My ministry is, accordingly, is focused on availing this technology to every Kenyan, regardless of where they may be in the country,” he mumbled.

Stanley Kamanguya – CEO of ICT Authority noted that, the ICT Authority is on course to rolling out ICT infrastructure across the country highlighting that Kenya currently has six submarine cables and 8,900 km of fiber optic cable connecting key government establishments in both National and County Governments.

“So far 1,650 key public institutions and offices have been connected. In Nairobi, the ICT Authority has implemented the Government Core Central Network intended to serve as a shared and secure service that seeks to improve exchange of information across Government institutions. The ICT Authority also has plans to install (25,000) internet hotspots in business centers, rural areas and other public spaces.

We believe that this will go a long way enabling local business tap into the opportunities presented by the internet. We shall also be embarking digital skills trainings and internet security awareness to ensure that individuals and small businesses effectively but also securely utilize the internet connectivity facility,” he let out.

Kamanguya pointed out that, the ICT Authority has evolved the Kenya National Digital Master Plan (2022-32) that is the framework for structured delivery of ICT in Kenya. This will enable Kenya completely curb the advantages anticipated from huge enterprise made in ICT infrastructure by eliminating the drawbacks encountered by users in accessing the internet that comprises amongst other factors considerable high cost and accessibility in remote areas.

According to him, Digital Infrastructure and Digital Services are two of the major girders in the Master plan. Through these statutes, they plan to not only give the connectivity infrastructure to citizens as well as public and private institutions but also distribute services online. The free Public Wi-Fi program is hence envisioned to boost internet access for our citizens to enable them to engage in more financial activities and increase their well-being.

“Through this initiative, we shall also enhance internet access in the unserved and underserved areas as well as disadvantaged groups thus reducing the digital divide, and enhancing equity and fairness,” he asserted.

For New Africa Business News (NABN) Abdul Rahman Bangura Reports,  Africa Correspondent