Government Taps KSh 7.8B ICT Projects to Boost Kenyan Brands and Digital Access
Nairobi – Kenya’s digital economy is set for a major boost as the government rolls out two large-scale ICT programs aimed at improving brand competitiveness and expanding internet access across the country.
Broadcasting and Telecommunications Principal Secretary Stephen Isaboke announced the deployment of 2,500 kilometers of fiber optic cable across 19 counties under the Universal Service Fund (USF). The project, valued at KSh 5 billion, is part of the national digital superhighway initiative. It is expected to bring high-speed internet to underserved regions including Kwale, unlocking new opportunities for local businesses and entrepreneurs.
“This infrastructure will not only connect more people but also expand the reach of our brands,” said Isaboke during the Brand Africa 100 Awards ceremony. “We’re opening up regions that were previously disconnected. That’s how we build a stronger digital economy.”
In addition to the fiber expansion, the government plans to establish 47 ICT Centers of Excellence one in each county and 1,450 ICT hubs at the ward level. This second phase of investment, carried out in partnership with the Konza Technopolis Development Authority, is budgeted at KSh 2.8 billion.
According to Isaboke, the broader vision is to create a digitally empowered society where Kenyan innovations can thrive. He pointed to recent brand rankings that show Kenya accounting for 25% of the most admired brands within the country, second only to the United States. China ranked a distant third at 9%.
“These numbers tell a clear story,” Isaboke said. “Kenyan brands are not just surviving; they are earning admiration. The next step is to ensure they have the infrastructure to grow even further locally and globally.”
The move comes at a time when digital inclusion is increasingly seen as a driver of economic development, especially for small businesses and youth-led startups. By expanding connectivity and offering training through ICT hubs, the government hopes to close the digital divide and position local enterprises to compete in both domestic and international markets.
The ICT Ministry has not released the full implementation timeline, but early groundwork is underway in selected counties. Both projects fall under Kenya’s broader economic strategy to anchor growth in digital infrastructure, innovation, and job creation.
Officials say monitoring and evaluation frameworks are being put in place to ensure that the investments translate into measurable improvements in access, skills, and brand visibility.
As the rollout progresses, the focus remains on inclusion, sustainability, and competitiveness. The government aims to ensure that no region is left behind in the shift to a connected, knowledge-driven economy.
