Government to establish 1,450 new digital hubs across the country

KIPTANUI CHERONO-KNA 

The Government is accelerating internet connectivity to ensure that each technical and vocational education training (TVET) institutions is connected to fiber, Principal Secretary for ICT and the Digital Economy, Eng. John Tanui, has said. 

Speaking at the Rift Valley Technical Training Institute in Eldoret while launching the institution’s digital hub, the PS mentioned that the state department is working through an arrangement with Kenya Power to lay fiber over power lines to hasten the connectivity process. 

“We are not only aiming to ensure that all public institutions are connected to fiber internet, but we are also collaborating with the private sector so that they can take advantage of this connectivity. 

This will enable the business community, as well as homes within reach of Kenya Power poles, to access fiber internet and log on to global opportunities,” Eng. Tanui said. 

Earlier, the PS also launched a digital hub at Kipkabus Technical Training Institute (TTI), which is part of the 1,450 digital hubs the government intends tostablish across the country. 

He noted that over 274 digital hubs have already been established in TVET institutions. “In the north rift region 51 digital hubs have already been connected to fiber, and we are in the process of connecting another 100 through the arrangement with Kenya Power,” he added. 

Eng. Tanui said the opening of digital hubs, including those being established in every ward with support from members of parliament was critical for the government’s digital superhighway initiatives that will unlock opportunities for the youth in the digital space. 

He said they were working with TVET principals and local leadership to ensure the digital hubs are not only available to the students, but neighbouring communities are also allowed to access the hubs. 

On the manufacturing of digital devices, the PS said the first factory, East Africa Devices Assembly Kenya, EADAK, which was commissioned by President William Ruto last year has so far manufactured more than 1m devices. 

“We also have another company, M-Kopa that has entered into manufacturing the devices, which has already exceeded the manufacture of more than one million devices,” he added.