Digital Superhighway pathway to a brighter future for all Kenyans

The Digital Superhighway cornerstone of the Kenya Kwanza plan is poised to create remarkable opportunities for Kenya. [iStockphoto]

In today's ever-connected world, the Internet is not just a tool for communication, it is the foundation of innovation, economic growth, and social development.

For a country like Kenya, where innovation and entrepreneurship are thriving, harnessing the power of the Internet is not just a matter of convenience but a critical driver of economic growth.

A year into President William Ruto's leadership, exploration of internet governance, and remarkable opportunities, the Digital Superhighway cornerstone of the Kenya Kwanza plan is poised to create remarkable opportunities for Kenya.

Kenya has long been recognised as a technology hub in East Africa, earning it the nickname Silicon Savannah. With a young and tech-savvy population, the country has made significant strides in harnessing the power of the Internet to drive economic development and social progress.

However, the path to realising Kenya's full digital potential has been paved with challenges, many of which can be addressed through effective Internet governance and strategic investments.

Internet governance encompasses the rules, policies, and frameworks that govern the use and development of the Internet. It is a vital component of a nation's digital strategy, ensuring that the Internet remains open, secure, and accessible to all citizens. Effective Internet governance can foster an environment conducive to innovation, investment, and job creation.

As a member of the East African Legislative Assembly, I firmly believe Kenya must lead in shaping its digital destiny. We must ensure that our internet governance policies align with our development goals to achieve this.

The Kenya Kwanza government recognises this imperative and has unveiled a transformative plan to bolster Kenya's digital infrastructure - the Digital Superhighway.

The Digital Superhighway is a bold and ambitious initiative to create a robust and interconnected digital ecosystem across Kenya. It is a strategic pillar of the Kenya Kwanza Plan, anchored in the Bottom-Up Economic Model. This model prioritises empowering ordinary citizens and small-scale entrepreneurs, fostering grassroots economic development.

Notably, in a year, the government has scaled up the number of government services operating digitally from 300 services to 5,000 services. It plans to get fully digital and be paperless by 2027.

The president is clear on this and is currently in the United States to market the country as the best entry for technological inventions and innovations for the larger sub-Saharan Africa.

Statistics from the Communication Authority of Kenya reveal that approximately 43 per cent of Kenyan households had access to the Internet as of 2022. While this is a significant improvement over previous years, it underscores the digital divide that still exists. The Digital Superhighway seeks to bridge this divide by ensuring affordable and high-speed internet access reaches every corner of Kenya.

The plan envisions a comprehensive fibre-optic network that crisscrosses the country, connecting rural and urban areas alike. This network will not only facilitate faster internet speeds but also support emerging technologies like 5G, which have the potential to revolutionise industries such as agriculture, healthcare, and education.

I am convinced that this investment in digital infrastructure will pave the way for economic empowerment and prosperity for all Kenyans.

One of the most exciting aspects of the Digital Superhighway is its potential to empower entrepreneurs and small businesses. According to the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics, MSMEs contribute significantly to Kenya's economy, accounting for over 90 per cent of all businesses and employing millions of Kenyans. However, these businesses often face challenges in market access, finance, and technology.

With the Digital Superhighway in place, MSMEs in remote areas can tap into larger markets, reach customers worldwide, and access financial services seamlessly. E-commerce platforms will become more accessible, leveling the playing field for businesses of all sizes.

This democratising access to markets and resources aligns perfectly with the Bottom-Up Economic Model, as President Ruto and the Kenya Kwanza government championed.

Education is another sector that stands to benefit immensely from the Digital Superhighway. Kenya has made commendable progress in expanding access to education, but challenges such as inadequate infrastructure and teacher shortages persist. The Digital Superhighway promises to revolutionise education by making e-learning accessible to students in even the most remote areas.

Online courses, virtual classrooms, and digital libraries will become readily available, bridging educational gaps and preparing Kenyan youth for the jobs of the future.

This aligns with the government's vision of empowering the youth and positions Kenya as a hub for digital education in the region.

The Digital Superhighway also holds the promise of transforming healthcare. Currently, access to healthcare services remains challenging, especially in remote areas. The plan aims to connect healthcare facilities with high-speed internet, facilitating telemedicine and remote patient monitoring.

This will improve healthcare delivery, reduce the burden on physical infrastructure, and enhance healthcare outcomes for Kenyans.

The Digital Superhighway is about expanding internet access and creating a holistic digital ecosystem that empowers individuals, businesses, and communities. It aligns perfectly with the Kenya Kwanza government's Bottom-Up Economic Model, which seeks to uplift ordinary Kenyans and spur grassroots development.

A connected Kenya is a thriving Kenya. The Digital Superhighway is an opportunity, and our pathway to a brighter future for all Kenyans. As we move forward under the leadership of President William Ruto, let us embrace this digital revolution to ensure that no one is left behind in our journey to prosperity.