ICT & Energy Integration Key to Digital Transformation, PS Isaboke tells Senate Committee

The Principal Secretary for Broadcasting and Telecommunications, Mr. Stephen Isaboke, EBS, this morning appeared before the Senate Committee on Energy, chaired by Hon. Oburu Odinga, to present the Ministry’s submissions on the Energy (Amendment) Bill, 2025 (Senate Bills No. 11 of 2025). He represented the Cabinet Secretary for Information, Communications and the Digital Economy, Hon. William Kabogo, during the stakeholder engagement session.

In his remarks, the Principal Secretary underscored the close interlinkages between the Information, Communications and the Digital Economy sector and the Energy sector, noting that both share critical infrastructure that support national development. He emphasised that reliable, affordable and sustainable energy is essential for powering digital connectivity, data centres, telecommunication networks and the overall growth of the digital economy.

PS Isaboke informed the Committee that the Ministry has been collaborating with the Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC) in extending last-mile broadband and digital connectivity across the country. This partnership, he said, is instrumental in achieving universal access to broadband under the Digital Superhighway pillar of the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).

Among the key proposals presented by the Ministry is the standardisation of wayleave charges and the establishment of a joint taskforce comprising representatives from both the ICT and energy sectors, as well as national and county governments. The taskforce will address issues related to shared infrastructure, coordination and wayleave management to ensure uniformity, affordability and practicality in deploying telecommunication networks nationwide.

PS Isaboke reiterated the Government’s commitment to fostering synergy between sectors to promote efficiency, reduce duplication of efforts, and optimise resource utilisation. He further noted that a harmonised approach to infrastructure development would accelerate digital inclusion and economic growth.

Members of the Senate Committee commended the Ministry for its collaborative approach and insightful proposals. They encouraged continuous engagement between stakeholders to ensure the Bill effectively addresses emerging sectoral challenges and supports Kenya’s digital transformation journey.

Also present at the meeting were Senators: Edwin Sifuna (Nairobi), Dr. Boni Khalwale (Kakamega), James Lomenen (Turkana), Beatrice Ogolla (Nominated), and Veronica Maina (Nominated), among others.

The PS was accompanied by a delegation from the Ministry; David Mugonyi (Communications Authority of Kenya); Zilpher Owiti (ICT Authority) and Fiona Atsonga (TESPOK) and their delegations.