The Kenya Kwanza administration has created 390,000 digital jobs since it took over government, PS Edward Kisiang’ani has said.
The Broadcast and Telecommunications Principal Secretary said during a media briefing on Wednesday at his office that opening of digital hubs and launching of public Wi-Fi hotspots was on course.
Kisiang’ani noted that already 1,210 have been launched across the country and young Kenyans are already enjoying the rewards through setting up businesses.
"Those who started early are making good money. I know of a young man in Bungoma who is making Sh2 million a year. Most of them are working with US companies,” he said.
The government has approved the implementation of several initiatives as part of its new Digital Superhighway Project.
The project seeks to strengthen the country's information communication and technology backbone.
The Digital Superhighway project will prioritise two main areas: Expanding Kenya’s fibre network coverage and increasing e-Government services.
For the fibre network coverage, the plan entails laying 100,000 kilometers of fibre optic cable.
This expanded infrastructure will create 25,000 public Wi-Fi hotspots as well as Digital Village Smart Hubs in each of the country’s 1,450 wards, the PS noted.
In a move to increase e-Government services, the Kenya Kwanza administration also intends to automate over 5,000 government services.
Kisiang’ani said that the government allocated Sh5 billion for the Digital Superhighway project in the current financial year.
He added that the Konza Technopolis is also on course. Konza Technopolis is a flagship project of Kenya's Vision 2030 economic development portfolio.
The Technopolis will be a world-class city powered by a thriving information, communications and technology (ICT) sector, superior reliable infrastructure and business-friendly governance systems.
“There are 70 new investors on the line in Koza,” Kisiang’ani revealed.
He said the government is keen on enhancing connectivity and e-commerce.