Residents of the Busho area of Kwale County look forward to enjoying free internet access for the first time, thanks to the recent launch of the digital community by Governor Fatuma Achani and investors.
In a statement on Thursday, June 29, the governor emphasised the significant impact the project, launched in coordination with American Tower Corporation, would enhance her residents' economic and social well-being.
Achani expressed her concern over the years of neglect the remote Busho village endured but firmly believed that the digital community would bring about positive transformation and catalyse the region's development.
"We want to thank American Tower Corporation (ATC) Kenya for bringing this project here in Busho Kwale and assure them that as a county government, we will do our work to ensure it is used to positively impact the lives of the residents of Busho and the larger Kwale County."
“We will ensure that we have proper utilization of this facility so that we can improve the lives of our people," Achani noted.
Governor Achani underlined the importance of fostering an inclusive society that provided equal opportunities for all residents to thrive and develop.
She added that the health, education and security sectors would benefit from the transformative impact of the digital community.
ATC Kenya CEO Thomas Sonesson stated that the company will continue partnering with county governments to connect more communities.
“Our dream as ATC Kenya is to create an inclusive society where all members are accorded an opportunity to learn, grow and become better members of the society. Through this Digital Community, it is our hope that the people of Busho and Kwale, in general, will be exposed to more opportunities.
“This Digital Community, although based here at Busho, is open to all members of the larger Kwale County. We want to convert it to a center of excellence where meaningful gains in promotion of a Digital Economy and various sub-sectors, such as health, education, security, financial inclusion and connectivity, will be realized,” Thomas pledged.
The project aligns with the government's plan to enhance digital superhighways to create opportunities. President William Ruto has constantly assured that his administration would set up 25,000 free WiFi hotspots nationwide to improve internet access.
On June 19, 2023, Ruto pointed out that over 90 government institutions, including hospitals, law courts and colleges, would be connected to the Internet.
“I appreciate Google’s support in enhancing the digital superhighway and creative economy pillar of our transformational agenda. In particular, for your support for our plan to provide free Wi-Fi hotspots across the country," Ruto stated.
Further, ICT CS Eliud Owalo noted that the program involved establishing digital laboratories at TVET institutions to enable youth to acquire digital skills to secure local and international jobs.
