Nairobi: The National Assembly Budget and Appropriations Committee has engaged the Chairpersons of the Sports Committee and the Committee on Communication, Information and Innovation as part of ongoing sectoral budget reviews before the finalization of the national estimates. Members of Parliament called on State agencies to account for the utilization of public funds, implementation of key projects, and delivery of services to wananchi.
According to Kenya News Agency, Endebess MP Robert Pukose raised concerns over the state of digital hubs across the country, noting that many centers established to expand access to digital services remain non-operational. Pukose emphasized the need for effective implementation of the government’s digital economy agenda, stating that ‘digital hubs are not active and do not have equipment.’
Lawmakers further questioned persistent poor network connectivity despite the availability of resources under the Universal Service Fund. MPs Ali Wario and David Ochieng sought explanations on why several parts of the country continue to experience weak communication signals and unreliable internet services. They expressed concerns over the lack of improvement despite sufficient funding.
In response, Chairperson of the National Assembly Departmental Committee on Communication, Information, and Innovation, Dagoretti South MP John Kiarie, pointed out that network challenges stem from multiple factors, including service capacity limitations and inadequate infrastructure in rural areas. He assured that Parliament would engage service providers and the ICT Committee to improve service quality and expand infrastructure in underserved constituencies.
The Communication, Information and Innovation Committee proposed reforms aimed at strengthening the ICT and broadcasting sectors, such as requiring the National Treasury to entrench a Zero-Based Budgeting approach by July 2026. Additionally, the Committee directed relevant State Departments to develop a framework for integrating Studio Mashinani into digital hubs by September 2026.
Financially, the Committee suggested additional allocations for the Konza Technopolis Development Authority, ICT field services, and the Media Council of Kenya. They also highlighted non-funded requests totaling Sh839 million for projects including the construction of a new Kenya Institute of Mass Communication campus and hosting the Global Privacy Assembly.
In a separate meeting, the Sports Committee addressed Kenya’s readiness to host AFCON amidst concerns over incomplete sports infrastructure. Sports Committee Chairperson Dan Wanyama assured that preparations, including stadium renovations, were on track, and funding approvals for the State Department for Sports were proposed to ensure successful hosting and development of sports facilities.
The Committee recommended increased support for the creative economy and cultural sector, emphasizing the need for legislative reviews to strengthen governance and protection of intellectual property rights. Trade, Industry and Cooperatives Committee Chair, Mr. Bernard Shinali, also called for increased funding to support cooperatives and small enterprises.
