CS Eliud Owalo launches free internet in Ahero, Kisumu

ICT CS Eliud Owalo on Wednesday launched the government-sponsored free public hotspot at Ahero Market in Kisumu county.

The CS said the exercise is a part of an ongoing countrywide provision of internet connectivity to Kenyans in line with the Kenya Kwanza development plan.

"We recognise that we are living in very fast changing times. The world is going through the Fourth Industrial Revolution. And revolutions don’t wait for anybody," he said.

"Another two decades from now, it will be very difficult to recognise the world as we have known it in recent times. It is already difficult to believe that sending a letter from Ahero to Mombasa used to take as long as seven to ten days. The typewriter is a thing of the past."

Owalo said the government intends to provide 25,000 hotspots to the public at the bottom of the pyramid. 

Leaders present included Ahero DCC Nyamawi Chaka, Kisumu Deputy Governor Mathew Owili, Prof. PLO Lumumba, LBDA chairman Dianga Waore, former Kisumu Governor Jack Ranguma, Jared Kopiyo, Aloo Ogeka, Mark Matunga, Tony Yogo Yogo, Betty Adera, Vicky Onderi and Mark Rabudi.

Others are Kennedy Obuya, Valentine Anyango, Jacqueline Omiti, Billian Ojiwa, Valentine Ogongo, Atieno Otieno, Richard Opar, Joseph Arwa, Pauline Oyoo, Pauline Omogi, Elizabeth Sila, Joseph Osano and Local MCAs, Bill Odhiambo, Peter Oiko, Maurice Ngeta, Moses Ochola and Ken Ooko.

Also present were UDA Regional Coordinators, Phares Odira, Sunday Oyollo, Eng. Mike Malomba, Jacqueline Mwenesi and Luke Kirindo.