CS Hon. William Kabogo Gitau highlights the progress made by the Ministry in the implementation of various programs.
The Ministry of Information, Communications and the Digital Economy (MICDE) CS Hon. William Kabogo Gitau today appeared before the National Assembly Committee on Communication, Information and Innovation to give a briefing of the Supplementary II Budget proposals.
The CS highlighted the progress made by the Ministry in the implementation of various programs. However, he noted that some of the programs have been affected by fund cuts; 18 digital hubs have been established and connected out of an annual target of 390 and 1,500Km of fiber installed against a target of 5,000Km among other projects.
He observed that the Ministry has exceeded targets in some fronts; 19,650 new jobs created in the BPO sector against a target of 10,000 and 49,513 youths trained on digital skills through Ajira Digital program.
“The construction of Konza Complex is well on course, and Kenya Advanced Institute of Science & Technology (KENYA-AIST) is set for handover in March,” stated the CS.
On his part, Broadcasting and Telecommunications PS Prof. Edward Kisiang’ani, who had accompanied the CS emphasized the importance of optimally funding MICDE, which is a critical enabler of Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) Pillars.
“This administration has six BETA Pillars and the engine that runs all those Pillars is this Ministry,” the PS reiterated.
The Committee, led by its Chair Hon. John Kiarie Waweru, expressed its support for the Ministry’s bid to fast-track the ongoing programs aimed at enhancing connectivity across the country.
Hon. Kiarie further remarked that the Committee appreciates the pertinent role of communication to relay information on Government programs to the public and assured of the Committee’s full support.