In an epoch characterised by swift technological progress, the imperative of advancing internet connectivity assumes monumental importance for nations aspiring to socioeconomic prosperity, innovation and global integration.
This is particularly pertinent for developing nations, and Kenya, a prominent actor in East Africa, stands out as an exemplar of the transformative influence wielded by a robust internet infrastructure.
The Kenya Kwanza administration appears resolute in prioritising connectivity to impact economic development, education, healthcare, governance and social empowerment.
“All citizens should embrace digital transformation. It is a transformation we need to embrace which will turn around Kenya. We will operate as any other country like the first world,” chief of staff and head of Public Service Felix Koskei during the launch of the Last Mile County Connectivity Project in Machakos.
The commitment to connectivity underscores its pivotal role in Kenya’s multifaceted development.
A fundamental impetus behind the drive for enhanced internet connectivity in Kenya is its crucial role in catalysing economic development and fostering a vibrant digital economy. The internet acts as a catalyst for innovation, entrepreneurship and the efficient functioning of various economic sectors.
The robust internet infrastructure in place facilitates the growth of e-commerce, providing businesses with a platform to reach a broader market, both domestically and internationally. Kenya has experienced a surge in the internet to connect with the private sector, exemplifying the transformative impact of e-commerce on Kenya’s retail landscape. Ensuring that individuals in peripheral areas can actively participate in online business endeavours, akin to their counterparts in major urban areas, underscores the potency of the government’s agenda.
Entrepreneurship is further nurtured by internet connectivity, as it diminishes barriers to entry. Start-ups and innovators can leverage online platforms to access information, collaborate with global partners, and market their products or services. Koskei, during the launch in Machakos, encouraged young people to utilise digital platforms, such as phones, laptops and tablets, to be gainfully employed both nationally and internationally.
Enhanced connectivity is poised to contribute to the emergence of a dynamic and diverse entrepreneurial ecosystem, positioning Kenya ahead of neighbouring countries like Tanzania and Uganda.
For Kenya to achieve financial inclusivity beyond the current estimated 44 per cent, there must be an improvement in internet connectivity. Although M-Pesa revolutionised the financial landscape by providing convenient and accessible banking services to millions of Kenyans, a significant percentage remains excluded. Internet connectivity will play a pivotal role in sustaining and expanding such services, offering secure and efficient digital financial transactions. Mobile banking applications and online payment platforms can further integrate individuals into the formal economy.
In Kenya, efforts to bridge the digital divide in education are discernible through initiatives aimed at integrating technology into the learning environment. Improved internet connectivity facilitates the adoption of e-learning platforms, enabling students to access educational resources beyond traditional classrooms.
Platforms like eLimu and Shupavu291 provide interactive and engaging content, supplementing conventional teaching methods. The ability to access educational materials remotely becomes crucial, especially in regions with limited physical infrastructure, such as parts of Lower Eastern and Northern Kenya.
The significance of robust internet connectivity in supporting remote education became glaringly apparent during the Covid-19 pandemic. The Kenyan government, along with various organisations, initiated projects to ensure that students could continue their studies online, underscoring the critical role of the
internet in maintaining educational continuity. However, the lack of connectivity or affordability left many students in peripheral areas excluded from these initiatives.
The internet opens up a vast repository of information, empowering students, researchers, and academics. It allows access to a global pool of knowledge, breaking down geographical barriers to learning. Students in Kenya can engage with online courses, participate in collaborative research projects and stay updated on the latest developments in their fields, contributing to the country’s intellectual capital.
The intersection of internet connectivity and healthcare constitutes a transformative force, particularly in regions with diverse geographical landscapes like Kenya. The development of digital health solutions leverages internet infrastructure to enhance healthcare delivery, improve accessibility and address public health challenges.
To achieve Universal Health Coverage, Kenya must effectively attain digital connectivity in all its counties, especially rural areas. Telemedicine emerges as a game-changer in Kenya, where access to healthcare services can be challenging in remote areas. The internet allows for remote consultations, the sharing of medical records and the delivery of healthcare information to individuals in underserved regions.
This becomes particularly vital when considering the concentration of health professionals in major hospitals, leaving rural areas in dire need of their expertise. Internet connectivity supports the development of health information systems, enabling the efficient collection and analysis of health data.
The development of internet connectivity in Kenya holds profound implications for governance and civic engagement. It empowers citizens, fosters transparency and contributes to the democratic process. Improved internet connectivity facilitates the provision of e-government services, allowing citizens to access government information, make online transactions, and engage with public services more efficiently.
Initiatives like the Huduma Kenya platform provide a one-stop-shop for various government services, reducing bureaucracy and enhancing accessibility. In February 2023, Kenya’s ICT Cabinet Secretary Eliud Owalo announced a government target of 1,450 digital hubs and 25000 Wi-Fi hotspots across the country, with hundreds of hotspots already established.
“I can see ICT infrastructure rolling across the country, and we came here today to launch Phase 4 of the local Connectivity in Machakos. It is a transformation project because we have seen the Jitume App,” Koskei said at the launch of the app in Machakos. The application is designed to avail digital services, opportunities and skills to harness jobs on the internet. Internet connectivity plays a pivotal role in promoting social empowerment and inclusion, ensuring the benefits of the digital revolution are accessible to all segments of the population.
Initiatives promoting digital literacy among women and girls can break down barriers and create a more inclusive digital landscape. As women gain access to information, education, and economic opportunities through the internet, the potential for gender equality and empowerment expands. While the strides made in developing internet connectivity in Kenya are commendable, challenges persist.
Issues such as digital inequality, cybersecurity concerns and the need for continuous infrastructure investment require careful consideration.
Political commentator