In Kenya, the Ministry of Information, Communications, and the Digital Economy has indicated is currently working on restructuring the country’s public service broadcaster – Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC).
During his appearance before the Senate Standing Committee on Information, Communication, and Technology, Cabinet Secretary Hon. William Kabogo Gitau expressed his commitment to transforming both state corporations. This meeting follows a previous session where the Committee discussed the MICDE 2025 Budget Policy Statement and Debt Management Strategy, leading to an invitation for CS Kabogo to address several urgent matters, including proposed projects, budget allocations, financial shortfalls, and necessary legislative frameworks.
Principal Secretaries Prof. Edward Kisiang’ani, who was responsible for broadcasting and telecommunications, and Eng joined CS Kabogo. John Tanui, who focused on ICT and the Digital Economy, joined CS Kabogo. Along with other senior officials from the Ministry, they provided the Committee with updates on ongoing projects, pending bills, and financial gaps that could impede the implementation of key ICT initiatives.
The Ministry outlined its BETA priorities, which include establishing 25,000 public Wi-Fi hotspots, enhancing broadband connectivity and equipment in 1,450 hubs, facilitating online job training for the youth, and laying down 100,000 km of fibre to create a Digital Superhighway.
CS Kabogo urged the Committee to secure the Ministry’s budget and address the highlighted financial gaps to ensure timely implementation of the planned programs. He also thanked the Committee for their commitment to advancing Information and Communications Technology. The Committee’s Vice Chairperson, Sen. Miraj Abdulrahman, chaired the meeting.
