Kenya’s tech push draws heat over private deals

Kenya’s information and communications technology minister William Kabogo Gitau held talks with technology investor Andile Ngcaba at the ministry offices to discuss nationwide digital infrastructure expansion. Ngcaba founded several major projects across Africa and helped establish SEACOM, the initial undersea fiber optic system linking the continent’s eastern shoreline to global networks.

The officials examined Kenya’s National Connectivity Programme, which forms part of the Digital Superhighway within the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda. Their conversation centered on plans to install 100,000 kilometers of fiber lines and 25,000 public wireless internet access points while building digital centers throughout the nation. They discussed ways to broaden high-speed internet access, build domestic technical capabilities and engage local populations in deploying and maintaining telecommunications equipment.

Kabogo stressed that government officials want to facilitate private company involvement in the sector. He said collaborative efforts between public agencies and businesses are necessary to keep data services in Kenya available at reasonable prices while maintaining quality standards. The session highlighted Kenya’s push to use technology for advancing economic equality and strengthening the country’s competitive position internationally.