County Government and ICT Authority Collaborate to Enhance Digital Connectivity
The County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Public Service Management, Martin Lotee, and the ICT team from the County Government of West Pokot, led by Head of ICT Pius Kamtia, recently met with key representatives from the ICT Authority, including CEO Stanley Kamanguya, at the County Headquarters.
This meeting was part of a broader initiative to advance digital connectivity in alignment with President William Ruto's plan to develop a digital superhighway and transform Kenya into a fully digital economy.The primary focus was to review the ICT Authority's progress over the past six years, specifically the installation of a high-speed fiber optic cable stretching from Eldoret to Nadapal.
This project, now complete, involved the deployment of over 700 kilometers of fiber optic cable and connections to 200 institutions. The ICT Authority has also activated services for national and county governments, improving online service delivery.Beyond enhancing government services, the initiative has introduced free public Wi-Fi at bus stops and markets, enabling residents to connect, trade online, and make payments. It has significantly reduced internet costs in West Pokot and neighboring Turkana County, and has spurred growth among internet service providers and mobile network operators.CECM Martin Lotee expressed gratitude for the improved connectivity in Makutano and county offices and requested further expansion into areas like North Pokot, including Kacheliba and Pokot South.Deputy DCC Wycliff Munanda also thanked the ICT Authority for the internet improvements, which have greatly enhanced office services, and urged for connectivity in additional county offices. He encouraged the youth to leverage the internet for digital opportunities, such as online writing and more.
The ICT Authority has committed to working closely with the County Government of West Pokot and other counties to maximize the benefits of this infrastructure. Plans are underway to establish digital hubs and ICT resource centers to train residents in responsible internet use and job access, creating numerous economic opportunities through the expanded digital platform.