Calls for Enhanced Collaboration Between National and County Governments to Deepen ICT Connectivity Dominate Devolution Event

There is urgent need for a unified approach to Kenya’s digital transformation and enhanced for collaboration between the National and County Governments to deepen digital connectivity. That was the rallying call at the 2025 Devolution Conference held in Homa Bay County, at a side event hosted by the Technology Service Providers of Kenya (TESPOK), the umbrella body for telecommunication operators.

The side event themed “Leveraging ICT Infrastructure for Inclusive, Smart and Equitable Counties’’ brought together policy makers from the national and county governments and ICT service providers.

At the heart of discussions was the recognition that siloed operations, inconsistent policies, and regulatory barriers have hindered the rollout of broadband and other essential digital services across Counties.

Speaking at the event, Principal Secretary for the State Department for Broadcasting and Telecommunications Mr. Stephen Isaboke emphasized that digital infrastructure was not just a technical priority but a national imperative that requires synergy between the two levels of Government.

‘‘Collaboration between the national government and county governments is therefore paramount and needs strengthened to leverage not only governmental resources but also private sector innovation and private-public partnerships. Together, we can pool expertise and investment to expand broadband access and digital services efficiently,” said the PS.

As counties increasingly launch digital initiatives, alignment with national priorities becomes essential for scaling solutions, ensuring interoperability, and avoiding duplication of efforts. Mr. Isaboke added that County-led digital projects, while bringing local innovation, must integrate seamlessly with the 2020 National ICT Policy, and as such, by actively championing infrastructure deployment, county governments can become catalysts rather than obstacles to digital connectivity.

“County-led digital initiatives must align with the broad objectives of the National ICT Policy 2020, which promotes innovation, transparency, economic empowerment, and digital inclusion for all citizens,” he urged.

The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) Director General Mr. David Mugonyi whose remarks included data on digital access disparities, called for a structured framework that can better engagement and collaboration with counties. Such a framework, added Mr. Mugonyi, was necessary for counties to effectively participate in the expanding digital economy and for citizens to gain equitable access to online government services, education, and entrepreneurship opportunities.

‘‘The path to a digitally connected Kenya is a shared responsibility. By fostering genuine partnerships among county governments, the national government, and service providers, we can overcome these hurdles and unlock the enormous potential of ICT to benefit every Kenyan,’’ said Mr.Mugonyi in remarks delivered on his behalf by Eng. Leo Boruett, the Director, Universal Service Fund.

Significant barriers remain at the county level. ICT service providers in Kenya face several key challenges in rolling out infrastructure, including complex and inconsistent regulatory processes, presence of illegal operators and land ownership issues that delay or block essential site acquisitions, community resistance fuelled by misinformation, poor road and power infrastructure, lack of ICT prioritization in county development plans, and security risks such as theft and vandalism. These factors collectively delay projects, increase costs, and hinder service expansion, and, if not fully addressed inadvertently stifle ICT growth.

‘‘Given these challenges, it is critical that county governments adopt flexible, enabling environments to support ICT deployment countrywide. The Communications Authority of Kenya is committed to working closely with county governments through the Council of Governors to streamline regulatory and permitting processes that deepen ICT connectivity,’’ added Mr. Mugonyi.

TESPOK Chief Executive Officer Dr. Fiona Asonga recognized the critical role that Counties play as facilitators of ICT connectivity, highlighting the need for enabling ecosystem to avail digital connectivity. ‘‘We hope that this conversation is going to be the beginning of a long journey we are going to make to get our citizens connected and to see how to support the government in delivering on the establishment of a digital economy,’’ she observed. The sentiments were echoed by the TESPOK Board Chairman James Turuthi, who cited digital technology as a key catalyst for sustainable devolution growth and the engine that will power the next decade of County development.

A recent report, jointly published by the CA and the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS), shows that approximately 64.7 per cent of Kenyans use a mobile phone, 53.7 per cent own one, while only 35 per cent access the Internet. Youth aged 18-34 lead in digital adoption, with over 80 per cent owning mobile phones and 58.6 per cent using the Internet.

Mobile phone ownership and Internet usage vary significantly across counties, underscoring the urgent need for county governments to implement pragmatic approaches that enhance access for their residents. Counties with the lowest mobile ownership include West Pokot (29%), Turkana (29.4%), Marsabit (34.8%), Tana River (35.5%), and Samburu (36.8%). Nairobi leads with 67.7% mobile ownership, followed by Kirinyaga (65.0%) and Nyandarua (63.9%).

Internet usage figures further show imbalances across the country, with some counties recording rates below 10 per cent. Nairobi ranks first at 64.7 per cent with Kiambu (54.0%), Nyeri (50.1%), Mombasa (46.9%), and Uasin Gishu (42.1%) in the top five list. In contrast, West Pokot (9.1%), Turkana (12.7%), Tana River (15.5%), Marsabit (16.3%), and Garissa (16.5%) record the lowest Internet usage.

Beyond infrastructure, the side event highlighted other urgent priorities for policymakers to consider, including enhancing digital skills for youth, data management and protection, and fostering the gig economy as a path to employment.