KAKAMEGA RESIDENTS TO RECEIVE FREE INTERNET SERVICES

The ICT Authority of Kenya in collaboration with the County Government of Kakamega through the Ministry of ICT, E-government and Communication is set to provide free WiFi in designated public spaces, where a total 100 sites across the County have been earmarked for installation.

Speaking during a Performance Management and Staff Appraisal meeting on Tuesday, the incharge CECM Ms Rachel Atamba applauded the collaboration between the two levels of Government saying it will go a long way in enhancing service delivery and access to Government information and services by residents.

Chief Officer for ICT Mr Phanuel Musasia and his E-government and Communication counterpart Mr Joseph Lutilo who inspected Muliro Gardens Recreational Park on Monday together with a team from the National Government said the project will be a game changer in the digital transformation agenda in the County.

According to Mr Samuel Wetungu the County Director of ICT and E-government who is also the project’s County Government’s link Officer, the Recreational Park in Kakamega CBD will be the first site to host the WiFi network covering a radius of 100 metres around the facility. Already a feasibility study has been conducted and installation works have commenced at the Park. Once installed, youths are set to benefit from the services as well as business people who will access Government services offered digitally with ease.

Through the collaboration, County Government offices situated at Bukhungu stadium will also benefit from the Last Mile internet connectivity, a project by the ICT Authority that is in the pipeline.

In addition to the public spaces, the National Government through the ICT Authority of Kenya has also installed internet services at Mwiyala and Musoli Primary Schools in Lurambi and Ikolomani Sub-Counties respectively, with the two awaiting commissioning.

At the end of the three day workshop, Officers from the Departments of ICT, E-government and Communication are expected to be well versed in matters Perfomance Contracting, the 2024-27 County Intergrated Development Plan (CIDP) and Employee Managenent System among others.

Ag. Director of Communication Mr Sumba Juma also attended the meeting together with other officers from the Ministry.