ICT Ministry seeks budgetary provisions to bridge funding gap threatening digital superhighway.

The government’s ambitious Digital Superhighway Programme and the operationalisation of the Konza Technopolis are facing uncertainty after the Ministry of Information, Communications and the Digital Economy disclosed a multi-billion shilling funding shortfall that could stall critical projects.

The concerns emerged during Budget Estimates meetings held by the National Assembly Departmental Committee on Communication, Information and Innovation, chaired by John Kiarie (Dagoretti South), as the Committee engaged various Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) on sector priorities for the 2026/2027 Financial Year.

Information, Communications and the Digital Economy Cabinet Secretary William Kabogo appeared before the Committee alongside Eng. John Kipchumba Tanui, Principal Secretary, State Department for ICT and the Digital Economy and ​Stephen Motari Isaboke, Principal Secretary, State Department for Broadcasting and Telecommunications.

The State Department for ICT and the Digital Economy appealed to Parliament to consider an additional Sh9.3 billion to bridge existing budget deficits that threaten the rollout of key digital infrastructure projects across the country.

Speaking before the Committee, CS Kabogo said the Ministry’s programmes were central to Kenya’s economic transformation and competitiveness in the digital era.

“We are building the backbone of Kenya’s digital future, and these investments are no longer optional. If adequately funded, the Digital Superhighway will unlock opportunities for millions of young people, businesses and innovators across the country,” Kabogo pointed out.

He added that the Ministry remained committed to ensuring every shilling allocated delivers value to wananchi through improved connectivity, innovation and digital services.

On his part, ICT PS Tanui told lawmakers that despite the Ministry making what he termed “realistic and strategic requests,” critical projects remained underfunded.

“We have put in our best requests and wishes. Just like we are aiming at the sun and landing on the moon, let’s put in our best and ensure we support these key departments that will help support government communication,” said Tanui.

The PS singled out funding for Artificial Intelligence software, modernisation of the Kenya News Agency (KNA), and establishment of the National Cybersecurity Centre (NCC) as crucial priorities for the Ministry.

He also assured MPs that the Ministry was keen on prudent use of public funds, citing the Studio Mashinani initiative as a model of efficiency by leveraging the existing digital hubs and government infrastructure.

Committee Chair Kiarie said that the Committee will carefully evaluate the Ministry’s proposals against the country’s broader development agenda.

“Our responsibility as a Committee is to ensure strategic sectors like ICT are adequately supported because digital transformation is now at the heart of governance, education, trade and innovation,” Kiarie observed.

“The engagements we are holding with MDAs are critical in helping Parliament make informed decisions that balance fiscal realities with the country’s development aspirations."

The Committee heard that the Konza Technopolis Development Authority is grappling with a Sh362 million funding shortfall, including Sh200 million required for Phase I maintenance works.

During the same forum, the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner reported a Sh24 million budget deviation that could affect preparations for the 2027 Global Privacy Assembly and delay the establishment of regional offices in Meru, Kakamega, Kisii, Kitale, Isiolo and Garissa.

The ICT Ministry’s appeal comes days after Kenya hosted the Africa Tech Policy Summit, which attracted delegates from 37 countries, and as Konza Technopolis marked another milestone following the awarding of a Charter to the Kenya Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (Kenya-AIST). The Ministry lauded the Committee for spearheading the recent assent of the Technopolis Bill into law by the President.