Traders at the Nyeri town market became the latest beneficiaries of the free public Wi-Fi connectivity programme by the Ministry of Information, Communications and the Digital Economy.
The full span Wi-Fi hotspot with over 200 square metres reach is expected to serve traders operating the main market as well as the matatu terminus.
Speaking after the launching ceremony, Deputy President, Rigathi Gachagua challenged the traders to take advantage of the free internet to market their wares online.
He said that the government would set up 25,000 internet hotspots in order to promote e-commerce in the country.
“We have brought you free internet so that you can invest the money you would have used in purchasing bundles back to your business. Through this government programme, we intend to connect markets and bus terminus across the country. In Nyeri, we shall launch similar hotspots in Karatina, Othaya, Mukurwe-ini, Mweiga and Naro Moru,” said the DP.
Nyeri market becomes the third market to get internet connectivity in line with the government’s pledge to make internet accessible.
The DP stated that the government would lay an additional 100,000 kilometres of national fiber optic in efforts aimed at speeding up internet connectivity across the country.
On his part, Information, Communications and the Digital Economy CS Eliud Owalo stated that in addition to empowering the business community, all government offices, police stations and schools would equally be plugged in.
He said that in addition to making the country an efficient and paperless society, the ministry was keen on creating a conducive environment for the country to transition to a 24-hour economy.
“We are making internet accessible in every part of the country so that the ordinary citizen can leverage internet use in their daily businesses. What we are asking is for you to utilize this opportunity to transact your business online and improve your living standards,” said Owalo.
By Wangari Mwangi and Kiama Wamutitu
