President William Ruto pledged to make Kenya an ICT innovation hub to unlock the digital economy potential by establishing digital hubs in every ward countrywide.

Ruto said the government has put in place robust measures to ensure the successful implementation of the digital economy to create more opportunities for the youth.

“We have agreed with these MPs, and I have signed the new CDF law. We are establishing an ICT hub in every ward. The MPs will build the hubs, and I will provide the computers. Before the end of this year, Kakamega will receive 15,000 computers,” Ruto said during a church service held in Kakamega in February 2024.

However, the Ministry of Information, Communications and The Digital Economy has revealed that only 37 digital hubs have been created out of the 1,450 that was pledged.

ICT Cabinet Secretary (CS) William Kabogo and Principal Secretary (PS) John Tanui admitted the slow rollout during a session with the Senate ICT Committee.

The two were pressed over budget cuts, unfulfilled ICT infrastructure projects and mounting pending bills, raising concerns over the ministry’s financial management and digital transformation efforts.

“The government had pledged to establish 1,450 digital hubs nationwide, but only 37 had been connected,” reads a statement from the Committee.

PS Tanui admitted delays, which were attributable to logistical challenges.

Kwale Senator Boy Issa Juma demanded details on completed hubs and associated costs.

Tanui acknowledged funding constraints and outlined plans to work with the national government to accelerate progress.

Public Wi-Fi Promise

The Committee also pointed out the slow rollout of public Wi-Fi.

The government aimed to install 5,000 hotspots but had only managed 1,491.

Tanui blamed initial power cost uncertainties but assured senators that discussions with county governments and the State Department for Urban Development were addressing the issue.

Also Read: Bridging the Digital Divide to Help Overcome Africa’s Learning Crisis

Kabogo Defends Budget Cuts

Vice Chair Miraj Abdillahi challenged the Ksh423.5 million budget reduction despite ambitious targets for 2025/2026.

Kabogo defended the cuts, citing efficiency measures and stakeholder engagements to secure alternative funding.

Besides, nominated Senator Hezena Lemaletian raised concerns over the ministry’s growing pending bills.

Kabogo admitted the backlog was worsening due to budget cuts adding that only the cabinet can resolve the issue.

“I am new in the Ministry, but two months have been enough to catch up,” he said.

We have engaged the Treasury, but with the recent supplementary budget, everything was reduced to zero. This issue must be resolved at the Cabinet level.”

Also Read: Parliament Rejects William Kabogo’s Budget

Changes at KBC & Posta Kenya

Kabogo stressed the need for restructuring at the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation and Postal Corporation before financial injections.

“KBC is in a total mess. A planned Ksh9 billion injection from a Spanish fund has been put on hold until redundancies and inefficiencies are addressed,” he stated.

He also hinted at a sustainable revenue model for the Postal Corporation, awaiting Cabinet approval.

CS Kabogo urged the Committee to increase the Ministry’s budget and also consider the financial gaps that were presented to ensure it implements the programmes as envisioned within the set timeline.

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