A motion tabled by Nominated MP Godfrey Osostsi, compelling the National Government to provide free, quality and secure Wi-Fi in all the 290 constituencies, was passed on Wednesday.
In his submission, the legislature stated that the internet was one of the most powerful tools in the world for communication, information and access to services.
Speaking to NTV, Mr Osotsi, noted that the country was obligated to implement the universal access to Information and Communication Technology (ICT), because it was a signatory to International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), among others.
He further remarked that the most important driving reason for the motion was due to the fact that the internet, had become key in our daily lives.
"In fact, we are now in an era called the internet of things, where internet is really going to drive our lives," he commented.
According to the nominated MP, more than 74 per cent of Kenyans do not have access to the internet, yet the government expects the citizens to access some of its services online.
"We want to get to a level where this country will maximize the use of internet," the former ANC Secretary General added.
On the question of how much it would cost, Mr Osotsi stated that the government would partner with private organisations like Liquid Telecom, one of the operators, to have an appropriate infrastructure that supports the agenda.
However, the motion is being passed at a time when Nairobi, Kiambu and Nakuru counties are still grappling with the promise to provide free Wi-Fi to its residents.
Former Nairobi Governor, Evans Kidero, failed to roll out an ambitious plan that was meant to install Wi-Fi hotspots at Nairobi public schools, despite setting aside Sh100 million in the budget for the 2017-18 financial year towards the project.
On the other hand, Nakuru county government was sued by Nakuru Town East MP, David Gikaria, the Rift Valley Law Society of Kenya and Counties Efficiency in Development, an NGO, for information relating to a failed free Wi-Fi project.
Similarly, in Kiambu county, former Governor, William Kabogo, amid efforts to digitise service delivery, launched free Wi-Fi connectivity in Kiambu town, Thika, Juja and Kikuyu.
