Connected Africa Summit: PS Tanui roots for bridging of digital divide

 

ICT and Digital economy Principal Secretary Engineer John Tanui says the government has put in place elaborate measures meant to bridge the digital divide across the country.

Speaking during a meeting with media editors and stakeholders ahead of the forthcoming Connected Africa Summit 2024 hosted by the Ministry of Information, Communications and the Digital Economy, Tanui said the government is laying 100,000 kilometers of fiber optic cable as it moves to ensure that every part of the country including public institutions is connected to the internet similar to the last mile power connectivity initiative.

“9.5 million Businesses and homes in the country are connected to electricity while about 1.2 million people are connected to the internet. We want to enhance access to the internet to ensure Kenyans reap from associated benefits” said Tanui.

He said the connected Africa Summit will shape the future of the country’s technology landscape setting the stage for unprecedented growth and prosperity.

According to ICT Authority Chief Executive officer Stanley Kamanguya, invited guests including stakeholders and technology partners will gather to chart the way forward in unlocking investment opportunities for the region and foster collaboration and exchange knowledge.

He said the forum will focus on diverse areas including digital connectivity, digital trade, emerging technologies digital skilling circular economy and the future of work.

This even as he revealed that the government is developing forward looking policies and frameworks to address emerging challenges resulting from new technologies.

By Nicholas Kigondu