The national government plans to strengthen collaboration with county governments to expand internet connectivity, develop digital infrastructure and improve access to online public services across Kenya. The commitment was announced during the Second Intergovernmental Consultative ICT Sector Forum in Naivasha, where the two levels of government agreed to work together on key projects, including the National Cybersecurity Policy and Strategy, the mid-term review of the Digital Master Plan and monitoring connectivity under the National Optic Fibre Backbone.
Speaking at the close of the two-day forum, Information, Communications and the Digital Economy Cabinet Secretary William Kabogo said stronger cooperation was necessary to accelerate the government’s Digital Superhighway agenda and deliver reliable internet services to more Kenyans.
Kabogo, who co-chaired the forum with the Council of Governors (CoG), said the national government would lead telecommunications policy development while counties would facilitate infrastructure development through their management of roads, markets and public land.
Counties to develop vocational digital hubs
One of the key areas of collaboration will be the establishment of digital hubs at the ward level.
Kabogo said county governments would construct vocational training centres, after which the Ministry would assess completed facilities and plan to equip them with computers.
The initiative is expected to support the government’s plan to establish 1,450 ward-level digital hubs and 47 ICT Centres of Excellence to improve access to digital services, internet connectivity and online government platforms.
The government also plans to establish public Wi-Fi hotspots in markets and other public spaces before handing them over to county governments for continued management. According to Kabogo, affordable internet access in public spaces could support traders, small businesses and members of the public who rely on digital platforms to access services and conduct business.
Government seeks uniform ICT infrastructure regulations
The forum also addressed challenges associated with the installation of telecommunications infrastructure, particularly the different approval procedures and charges imposed by county governments. Kabogo said the Ministry would present the draft National ICT Infrastructure Wayleave Harmonisation and Management Policy to promote uniform procedures for operators seeking to install fibre-optic infrastructure across counties.
“When operators face the same rules and the same charges in every county, fibre reaches more homes, schools and businesses, and at a lower cost,” he said.
He welcomed the Council of Governors’ commitment to work with county assemblies towards harmonising business permit procedures, noting that consistent regulations could reduce the cost of doing business. Principal Secretary for Broadcasting and Telecommunications Stephen Isaboke said telecommunications policy and regulation remained national government functions, while infrastructure development and service delivery required cooperation with county administrations.
He said the Universal Service Fund continued to support connectivity expansion in underserved areas facing mobile network coverage challenges.
Isaboke urged counties to identify unconnected wards and public facilities to help the government prioritise connectivity interventions. He also called for streamlined infrastructure approvals, protection of telecommunications installations and integration of shared fibre ducts into county road and urban development projects to reduce costs.
Digital infrastructure to support service delivery
The Principal Secretary further encouraged county governments to partner with the Postal Corporation of Kenya to improve last-mile service delivery through its nationwide network. Such partnerships could support the establishment of service points, access to e-government platforms and the growth of e-commerce.
He also encouraged counties to use Kenya Broadcasting Corporation’s national and regional broadcasting platforms to communicate development programmes, public services and emergency information.
Isaboke said county communication teams should work with the Kenya News Agency and other government communication platforms to improve information dissemination, counter misinformation and strengthen public engagement.
He cited the Cabinet-approved National Communication Policy as a framework for more coordinated and accountable government communication. The PS also urged county governments to make information on budgets, development projects, public services and applicable fees readily available to citizens. He said the Access to Information Policy, 2026, reinforced the importance of transparency and proactive disclosure in public institutions.
Digital transformation to create opportunities for young people
The forum also highlighted opportunities for local content production and the creative economy, with Isaboke calling for stronger partnerships between counties and broadcasting and digital platforms. He said county governments had considerable creative talent that could be supported through opportunities for local artists, content creators and young people.
Discussions during the forum also covered implementation of previous resolutions, the County Digital Maturity Index, the National AI Agenda and the draft Digital Public Infrastructure Roadmap.
Isaboke said digital transformation should translate into practical improvements in public service delivery across all 47 counties. For TVET institutions and trainees, the planned digital hubs could provide additional access to computers, internet connectivity and digital services. If supported with appropriate equipment, training and reliable connectivity, the facilities could also strengthen digital skills development and create pathways into online work and technology-related careers.