It is a sigh of relief for West Pokot County residents owing to the implementation of high-speed internet services, whose full implementation has been pending for the last 6 years.
The technology which turned the entire world into a global village has transformed many societies considered marginalised.
West Pokot, which has been viewed as one of the isolated areas, will now be enjoying the privileges of the fibre optic cable technology, where most of the government offices and public institutions are now connected to the national network courtesy and the world as a whole.
Speaking during an inspection tour of the project’s status, Information and Communication Technology Authority (ICTA) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Stanley Kamanguya, confirmed the completion of the project, underscoring its viability and thus an increase in the acquisition of online services within the region.
However, he spelled out that there are a few areas yet to get the connection to the grid, especially those far off from the highway, but plans are underway to increase the coverage.
He revealed that over 200 public institutions, both national and county governments, underlying the highway are enjoying high-speed internet courtesy of the high-speed fibre optic cables.
“We are here as part of our initiative to roll out digital connectivity across the county and fulfil the ambitious plan by the President to transform the country into a full digital economy. The project encompasses the laydown of a 700 km digital superhighway from Eldoret to Nadapal in Turkana County,” explained the CEO.
The CEO maintained that connections have elevated service delivery to the citizens owing to improved internet activation into various institutions.
He challenged Kenyans to take advantage of the digital superhighway that has seen the provision of free public WiFi at bus stops and market places to engage in online trading, which has been made readily available and cheap.
“The project has already seen a reduction in internet costs and brought about an increased number of consumers as far as online communication is concerned.
We shall continue collaborating with West Pokot and all other counties to make our country have some commendable command on matters of digitisation,” vowed the CEO, calling upon all Kenyans to utilise the already available digital hubs and ICT resource centres in various parts of the country.
Accompanied by ICTA Board Members and Directors, Kamanguya commended the West Pokot County for its steady collaboration towards the implementation of the multibillion-dollar project, which intends to bridge the digital gap within the four counties of Uasin Gishu, Trans Nzoia, and Turkana.
Regarding hurdles encountered during the implementation of the digital superhighway, the CEO cited heavy rains witnessed in the region during the implementation phases of the project as one of the drawbacks that delayed the installations.
“Besides the rains, there were also security challenges that delayed the distribution of some hardware, but thanks to the security agencies for being upbeat,” explained Kamanguya.
West Pokot Public Service Management, ICT, and Devolved Units County Executive Committee Member (CECM) Martin Lotee celebrated the work done, mentioning that around 50 county government institutions are well connected and effectively enjoying the online services.
He challenged the ICTA to consider extending the networks to other areas, especially the three subcounties of Pokot North, Kacheliba, and some parts of Pokot South.
“As a county government, we feel honoured for consideration in the digital superhighway connections that have seen improved public service delivery. We are proud to announce that many of our services have gone digital, hence less time and material wastage,” Lotee observed.
West Pokot Deputy County Commissioner (DCC) Wycliffe Munanda reiterated that since the world is destined for a robust digital revolution, most public services are being conducted online, among them sending reports and frequent communications.
“As already mentioned, some government offices are yet to be connected, and our humble prayer is to have them put into consideration so that all government workers operate from a uniform working environment across the county because they are steadfast in embracing modern technology,” Munanda appealed.
His wake-up call messages to the youth, alias Gen Zs, are that they engage in profitable internet use through meaningful content creation and job creation instead of venturing into disruptive or cybercrimes.
Public officers connected to the digital superhighway affirmed that with the implementation of the high-speed internet connectivity, time management and effectiveness of service delivery have improved.
Olive Owiti, the Manager of the Youth Centre at Chepareria town under the Ajira Digital Programme, revealed that the Jitume digital skills initiative has enabled young people visiting the youth empowerment centre to access online work opportunities and develop digital literacy skills.
‘‘The youth centres in Makutano, Chepareria, and Sigor offer training programmes for the youth in the region. Furthermore, the introduction of internet connectivity in ICT hubs will greatly enhance their access to the digital world,’’ Ms. Owiti said.
Stephen Akuto, the Senior Principal of Chewoyet National School, expressed his gratitude to the government for providing them with internet through the last mile internet connectivity program.
He emphasised the importance of digitalisation in today’s world and how having internet access in their institution will greatly benefit the students by enabling them to stay updated with global events.
“The internet connectivity will facilitate interaction between Chewoyet National School and other schools across the country, such as Kapsabet Boys, St. Patrick’s Iten High School, and Alliance High School, through virtual learning, ultimately enhancing overall school performance,” Akuto stated.
He divulged that they used to spend approximately Sh7,000 per month on Safaricom internet connectivity, but now, with the government’s free internet service, they can reduce their internet expenses and ensure effective learning delivery.
However, other educational institutions within Kapenguria Municipality that have benefitted from the high-speed internet connectivity under the project have reported a decrease in their internet service costs, enabling numerous students and staff members to participate in online classes simultaneously, a significant improvement compared to previous conditions.
The availability of internet services in the region has helped bridge the digital divide, fostering educational growth, cost reductions, and enhanced interactive and collaborative activities.
By Richard Muhambe and Anthony Melly
