The national government has committed to working with the Council of Governors (CoG) in implementing ICT projects, including developing the National Cybersecurity Policy and Strategy, reviewing the Digital Master Plan at the mid-term and monitoring connectivity on the National Optic Fibre Backbone.

Speaking at the close of the Second Intergovernmental Consultative ICT Sector Forum in Naivasha, ICT Cabinet Secretary William Kabogo said the projects were in line to achieve the government commitment towards a seamless internet connectivity for growing users.

Kabogo, who co-chaired the two-day forum with the Council of Governors, said there was need for more collaboration between the two levels of government in delivering the digital superhighway plan across the country.

He said the ministry would lead change in telecommunications policies that would spearhead the roadmap of internet related services while counties manage the roads, markets and public land through which the established infrastructure passes through.

On wayleaves, the CS said the Ministry will present the draft National ICT Infrastructure Wayleave Harmonisation and Management Policy that will help to domesticate uniform business permit procedures in counties.

“When operators face the same rules and the same charges in every county, fibre reaches more homes, schools and businesses, and at a lower cost,” he said.

The CS welcomed the CoG’s commitment to work with county assemblies to domesticate uniform business permit procedures which he said will ease the cost of business for traders.

On digital hubs, Kabogo said counties will build vocational training centres, after which the Ministry will assess completed ones and plan to equip them with much needed computers.

Kabogo said the government was committed to setting up public Wi-Fi in markets and other public spaces before handing it over to counties to sustain them, adding that they would boost business for tens of traders and access to low-cost internet services.

The move was in line with the government commitment to establish 1,450 ward level digital hubs and 47 ICT centres of excellence to provide internet related services and access to government online services.

The Principal Secretary for Broadcasting and Telecommunications Stephen Isaboke said the telecommunications policy and regulation are national functions, but infrastructure development and service delivery required close collaboration with county governments.

Isaboke said through the Universal Service Fund, the government continues to support connectivity expansion in underserved areas experiencing mobile network coverage challenges.

He called on counties to identify and share priority unconnected wards and public facilities to inform targeted interventions while calling for harmonised wayleave procedures, streamlined approvals and protection of telecommunications infrastructure.

Isaboke said there was a need for the integration of shared fibre ducts into county road and urban development projects to reduce infrastructure costs.

The PS said Postal Corporation of Kenya’s nationwide network presents opportunities to strengthen last-mile service delivery urging counties to partner with Posta in establishing service points, supporting e-government access and facilitating e-commerce.

Isaboke encouraged counties to utilise KBC’s national and regional broadcasting platforms to communicate development programmes and public services noting that it remains a critical national platform for public information and civic education and emergency communication.

The PS noted that the Cabinet-approved National Communication Policy provides a framework for more coordinated, consistent and accountable government communication.

“I encourage county communication teams to work with the Kenya News Agency and other government communication platforms to improve information dissemination, address misinformation and strengthen public engagement,” said Isaboke.

Additionally, the PS urged county governments to make information on budgets, development projects, public services and applicable fees readily accessible to citizens, noting that access to Information Policy, 2026, reinforces the importance of proactive disclosure and transparency in public institutions.

Isaboke reaffirmed the State Department’s readiness to collaborate with county information officers in strengthening access to information and compliance with statutory requirements.

The PS said counties were home to considerable creative talent and opportunities for growth in local content production and encouraged deepening partnerships that would expand opportunities for local artists, content creators and young people through broadcasting and digital platforms.

He welcomed the forum focus on implementation of previous resolutions, the County Digital Maturity Index, the National AI Agenda and the draft Digital Public Infrastructure Roadmap.

“We emphasise that digital transformation must translate into tangible improvements in service delivery across all 47 counties and I call for clear, practical resolutions on connectivity, infrastructure approvals, public communication and access to information,” said Isaboke.

By Erastus Gichohi