47 ICT Centres and 1,450 Hubs Nationwide to Bridge Digital Divide and Spur Innovation

The Government, through the Ministry of Information, Communications, and the Digital Economy, is rolling out 47 Centres of ICT Excellence—one in each county—along with 1,450 ICT Hubs spread across all wards, to bridge the digital divide and foster inclusive technological growth.

 

Speaking at Kendu Bay, during the Kendu Adventist Hospital centenary celebration, the Principal Secretary, State Department of Broadcasting and Telecommunications, Stephen Isaboke, said the initiative is aimed at empowering communities and harnessing the power of digital innovation.

 

“Our journey is anchored in the Government’s Digital Superhighway programme, a flagship initiative under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA). Through this transformative programme, we are working tirelessly to bridge the digital divide and extend the benefits of connectivity to every Kenyan,” PS Isaboke noted.

 

In the first phase of the programme, the government is deploying 2,500 kilometers of fibre optic cable across 19 counties, including Homa Bay. This ambitious infrastructure rollout, funded through the Universal Service Fund (USF) at a cost of KSh 5 billion, is designed to bring high-speed internet to previously underserved and unconnected areas.

In the second phase, in close collaboration with the ICT Authority and Kenya Power, the government is connecting 3,800 public institutions and government offices to last-mile fibre.

 

“At the State Department for Broadcast and Telecommunication, we are not just laying cables—we are laying foundations for a more connected, inclusive, and prosperous Kenya. The future is digital, and we are proud to be shaping it,” added Mr. Isaboke

 

The Adventist Hospital centenary celebration was graced by distinguished guests, including Dr. Raymond Omollo, PhD, CBS, Principal Secretary for the State Department for Internal Security and National Administration; Dr. Ouma Oluga, Principal Secretary for Medical Services at the Ministry of Health; and Ms. Mary Muthoni, Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards. Their presence underscores the government’s strong support for and recognition of faith-based health institutions such as Kendu Adventist Hospital.

 

Others included Dr. Paul Kipronoh Ronoh, the Principal Secretary, State Department for Agriculture, Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, Hon. Adipo Okuome, MP, Karachuonyo Constituency; Hon. Mark Nyamita, MP, Uriri Constituency; H.E. Oyugi Magwanga, Deputy Governor, Homa Bay County; Homabay County MP Hon.Dr. Joyce Atieno Osogo Bensuda and Dr. Richard Hart, President, Linda University, among others.

 

The celebration also reflected the government’s unwavering commitment to improving health outcomes across the country. Central to this commitment is the implementation of the Strategic Health Agenda (SHA) program, one of the key pillars guiding national health policy.

 

The SHA program aims to strengthen healthcare delivery systems, enhance access to quality services, and promote sustainable partnerships between public and private sectors, including mission hospitals.