CS Kabogo champions inclusive digital transformation for PLWDs
HANIFA TAMIM-PCO
The Cabinet Secretary for Information, Communications and the Digital Economy, William Kabogo, has called for a people-centered digital transformation agenda that guarantees equal access to technology for all citizens, particularly persons with disabilities.
He warned that Africa’s digital future cannot be fully realized if sections of society remain excluded.
Speaking during the opening of the 7th Inclusive Africa Conference in Nairobi, Kabogo said accessibility must be treated as a core component of digital development rather than an afterthought.
He emphasized that as governments increasingly digitize services and economies become more technology-driven, access to digital technologies has become essential for participation in education, healthcare, business, public services and civic engagement.
“The measure of digital transformation is not the sophistication of the technology we deploy, but whether every citizen can benefit from it,” Kabogo said.
The Cabinet Secretary noted that Kenya’s digital transformation agenda is anchored on inclusivity and can only succeed if no citizen is left behind.
He said the government remains committed to creating an enabling digital environment where persons with disabilities can fully participate and benefit from emerging opportunities.
Kabogo also highlighted the growing role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in advancing accessibility and inclusion, citing Kenya’s National Artificial Intelligence Strategy, which places equity and accessibility at its core.
He said the strategy seeks to ensure that technological innovations expand opportunities for persons with disabilities instead of creating new barriers.
At the continental level, the Cabinet Secretary called for stronger collaboration among African countries in developing and harmonizing digital accessibility standards.
He observed that an inclusive digital economy will be critical in unlocking opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
He commended stakeholders involved in the development of KS 2952:2022, Kenya’s Standard for Accessibility of ICT Products and Services, describing it as a major milestone in promoting digital inclusion.
He further welcomed ongoing efforts to align accessibility standards across Africa.
Kabogo urged governments, development partners, private sector players and organizations representing persons with disabilities to work together in mainstreaming accessibility in public procurement, digital infrastructure, online services and future technology investments.
The CS said Kenya has made significant progress in expanding digital access through the government’s Digital Superhighway Programme, which has seen the deployment of more than 30,000 kilometres of public fibre-optic infrastructure across the country.
The project has enhanced connectivity for schools, healthcare facilities, government institutions and communities.
He also highlighted the success of the Jitume Digital Hubs Programme, which has established more than 270 operational hubs equipped with over 17,700 digital devices.