Siaya: The Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Information, Communications and the Digital Economy, John Tanui, has expressed satisfaction with the progress of ongoing construction of digital hubs across the country, stating that Kenya is on course to achieving its digital superhighway vision.
According to Kenya News Agency, Tanui made these remarks during an inspection tour of a standard digital hub under construction in Bondo and a Centre of Excellence digital hub in Rarieda Sub-County. He emphasized the importance of these facilities in driving economic transformation and enhancing access to digital opportunities at the grassroots. The digital hubs are considered a key pillar in realizing the government’s development blueprint under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda, aimed at empowering citizens through technology, innovation, and enterprise.
Construction of digital hubs in 500 wards is currently underway, supported through the National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF), following amendments to the NG-CDF Act. These amendments allow Members of Parliament to allocate up to three percent of the fund towards the construction and equipping of digital hubs. Additionally, 300 hubs have already been completed in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions across the country.
Tanui highlighted that the government targets to construct and equip digital hubs in all 1,450 wards nationwide. This initiative aims to form an interconnected digital superhighway to expand access to government services, online jobs, and digital entrepreneurship.
Accompanied by Konza Technopolis Chief Executive Officer John Okwiri, ICT Authority CEO Jessy Maruti, and Medical Services Principal Secretary Ouma Oluga, Tanui revealed that the government has invested Sh25 million in the construction of the Centre of Excellence digital hub in Rarieda, which is currently 50 percent complete. The standard digital hub in Bondo is being constructed at a cost of Sh7 million.
Health PS Ouma Oluga noted that the digital hubs will not only equip youth with digital skills and prepare them for online job opportunities but will also play a significant role in digitizing the health sector to improve efficiency and service delivery. He highlighted that the digitization of health services is a priority for the government, aiming to transform interactions between patients and healthcare providers and improve accountability and health outcomes.
Kisumu Deputy Governor Mathews Owili encouraged residents to take advantage of the hubs to access government services and explore economic opportunities. He expressed gratitude to President Ruto for the vision of establishing digital hubs in every ward, which he believes will unlock opportunities for rural communities and spur inclusive growth.
