Kenya reaffirms commitment to inclusive digital transformation at WTDC-25

By:  Nana Appiah Acquaye

Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Information, Communications and the Digital Economy, William Kabogo, has reiterated the country’s commitment to advancing universal, meaningful and affordable connectivity during his address at the High-Level Segment of the ITU World Telecommunication Development Conference 2025 (WTDC-25) in Baku, Azerbaijan.

In his remarks, Mr. Kabogo outlined Kenya’s progress in expanding digital access and building an inclusive digital economy. He noted that nearly 800,000 people in underserved communities have been connected through expanded mobile coverage initiatives. He added that more than $300 million from the Universal Service Fund has been invested to extend broadband infrastructure to reach 2.7 million unconnected citizens, connect government institutions, expand fibre networks and support digital learning programmes in schools.

The Cabinet Secretary highlighted the impact of key digital public platforms, including E-Citizen and E-Procurement, which he said are improving transparency and elevating service delivery. He also pointed to inclusive initiatives, such as assistive technologies for learners with print disabilities and nationwide digital skills programmes delivered across 1,450 youth hubs.

He reaffirmed Kenya’s role as a regional leader in Africa’s digital landscape. As host of an ITU Global Innovation and Entrepreneurship Centre, the country continues to strengthen its startup ecosystem and collaborate with partners on initiatives such as the Africa Broadband Mapping Systems project.

Cabinet SecretaryKabogo emphasized that Kenya’s long-term strategies, including the National Digital Masterplan 2022–2032, the National AI Strategy and ongoing 5G deployment, reflect a firm commitment to building a future-ready digital economy. He said Kenya remains open to working with global stakeholders to advance people-centred digital transformation and contribute to an inclusive digital future.