Kenyan parliamentary committee inspects digital infrastructure project in Turkana County

The National Assembly's Committee on Information Communication and Innovation has conducted a comprehensive inspection of the East Africa Regional Transport, Trade and Development Facilitation Project in Turkana County. Led by Committee Chairman Hon. John Kiarie, the delegation assessed multiple project sites including the Lodwar EARTTDFP facility, Locheremoit Primary School, Lokichar Police Station, and St. Michael Kawalase Primary School.

The project, spearheaded by ICT Authority Director of Digital Infrastructure Michael Odhiambo, represents a significant investment in digital infrastructure that supports regional trade, transport, and development facilitation.

During the visit to Lokichar Police Station, Hon. Kiarie highlighted the government's ongoing establishment of a Digital Superhighway featuring 194 Wi-Fi hotspots as part of a broader transformative agenda. This initiative aims to spur innovation, creativity, and job creation by providing reliable internet access to communities and institutions across the region.

The Officer in Charge of Lokichar Police Station commended the internet connectivity initiative, emphasizing its vital role in improving and expediting police work delivery. The enhanced connectivity enables more efficient law enforcement operations and better service delivery to the local community.

Local residents have already begun benefiting from access to free internet hotspots, which provide opportunities for education, business development, and access to government services. The project's focus on educational institutions like Locheremoit Primary School and St. Michael Kawalase Primary School ensures that students and teachers in remote areas can access digital learning resources and educational platforms.

The parliamentary delegation included Kieni MP Hon. Njoroge Wainaina and Kajiado East MP Hon. Hamisi Kakuta MaiMai, reflecting cross-regional support for digital infrastructure development. The East Africa Regional Transport, Trade and Development Facilitation Project represents a key component of Kenya's digital transformation strategy, aligning with broader goals of creating an inclusive digital economy.

By:  Kanto Kai Okanta