Cabinet Secretary for Information, Communications and the Digital Economy Eliud Owalo (third left) and ICT PS Eng. John Tanui (centre) among other leaders from the Ministry during a tour of the Athi River-based Nia Fibre Ltd which is producing cables for the local and export markets.
The country has started manufacturing fibre optic cables locally as it seeks to expand internet connectivity, ICT Cabinet Secretary Eliud Owalo announced on Thursday.
Mr Owalo said the initiative is part of efforts to install 100,000km of National Fibre Optic Cable network.
Athi River-based Nia Fibre Ltd is manufacturing the cables for the local market as well as for export.
“I had the opportunity to tour the Nia Fibre plant in Athi River, the first and only fibre manufacturing firm in Kenya,” Mr Owalo said.
The production of the cables comes few months after President William Ruto launched a smartphone assembly plant, putting Kenya on the map as a cellphone producer.
Eng. John Tanui, the Principal Secretary in the State Department for ICT and Digital Economy, said there has been need for quality, affordable and accessible fibre optic cables as the country races to install 100,000km of national fibre network in five years.
Eng. Tanui said that the government-backed firm has already manufactured some 12,000km of fibre optic cables for various firms in Kenya and exported approximately 30 percent of its products to over 10 countries in Africa.
As at the end of 2023, the government had installed 8,419km of fibre optic cables in partnership with private sector players as part of the 100,000km target.
It had also set up 1,261 free public Wi-Fi hotspots, facilitating communication and business as well some 247 digital hubs out of a target of 1,450 as it trains to train the youth to enable them access opportunities in the digital space.
Easy access to faster internet as well as skilling are key to accessing digital jobs, with the government targeting to train up to 20 million youths to enable them access opportunities online.
As part of its mandate to enhance government communications, the Kenya Yearbook Editorial Board (KYEB) is documenting these successes in its publications to promote public awareness on the various government initiatives and opportunities in the ICT sector.
Cabinet Secretary for Information, Communications and the Digital Economy Eliud Owalo (centre), ICT PS Eng. John Tanui (left) and ICTA CEO Stanley Kamanguya are shown cables produced by the Athi River-based Nia Fibre Ltd.
President William Ruto addresses participants at the Third Wage Bill Conference in Nairobi on Wednesday. The forum was organised by the Salaries and Remuneration Commission to seek ways to reduce the wage bill to 35 per cent of revenue.
President William Ruto has said that the government is committed to bringing down the public sector wage bill to 35 per cent of the revenue collected by 2027.
He said that while the 2028 deadline set by the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) is workable, the target should be achieved earlier for faster economic development.
“Our goal of reducing the wage bill from the current 46 per cent to 35 per cent of revenue should be achieved by 2027. There are agencies that have already done this and they confirm to us that with commitment and determination, we can achieve this sooner,” said the President during the closing ceremony of the Third Wage Bill Conference organised by SRC in Nairobi.
President Ruto said the country has to live within its means to avoid burdening citizens with higher taxes and debt.
“About a million of us are working in the public service, taking away Sh1.1 trillion annually of the Sh2.2 trillion collected. This is unsustainable even we seek to raise more revenue,” said the President.
He explained that the government is creating alternative pathways to employment so that the public service is not the only route to job creation.
“As a government, we are implementing programmes that will create jobs. Under the affordable housing, we have created 140,000 jobs and our target is a million. We are intentional in job creation so that we do not burden Kenyans with the public service wage bill,” he said.
Other initiatives the government has initiated to expand employment he said are training the youth on digital skills for opportunities online, facilitating international investors to set up companies at Special Economic Zones and signing agreements with various countries to export jobs.
“Next week, I will be launching an American company at the Athi River Export Processing Zone, which is going to create some 20,000 jobs,” he said.
President Ruto directed those with fake certificates in the public service to resign and refund all the money they have earned over the years.
“A simple audit showed that we had 2,100 people with fake certificates working in government institutions. Such people have undermined service delivery in the public service. Those who have earned money using such papers must refund,” he said.
He noted that the government is working to have a public service that is efficient, professional, productive, competitive, and supports the entire economy.
“We must ask ourselves why is the Kenyan human capacity adored world over, but the same is not happening in the public service. This shows we need to change the way we hire and deploy people in the public service.”
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua asked those who may have used fake papers to get jobs to take advantage of the Recognition of Prior Learning framework set up by the government to have their knowledge recognised and certified.
“You don’t need to take short cuts by acquiring fake certificates and getting jobs in the public service. If you have the skills, let them be recognised,” he advised.
Mr Musalia Mudavadi, the Prime Cabinet Secretary and the Cabinet Secretary Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, said the government is keen on making tough decisions to reduce the wage bill and transform the country.
Mr Moses Kuria, the Cabinet Secretary for Public Service, Performance and Delivery Management, said the ministry would migrate all public servants to a new system of performance management.
“I am also going to seek Cabinet approval so that all staff establishments in all government agencies suspended and reviewed as part of measures to reduce the wage bill,” he said.
As part of mandate to enhance government communication, the Kenya Yearbook Editorial Board (KYEB) will use its publications to promote public awareness on the importance of having a sustainable wage bill and highlight what the government is doing towards the attainment of the 35 percent of wage bill to revenue ratio.
President William Ruto (fourth right) and Transport CS Kipchumba Murkomen (second right) and other officials from private and public sectors during the launch of the National Road Safety Action Plan in Nairobi on Wednesday.
President William Ruto has said the government would strengthen safety measures on the roads to reduce the number of accidents by at least 50 per cent.
The President, who was speaking as he launched the National Road Safety Action Plan (NRSAP) 2024-2028 in Nairobi, said the rising number of fatalities and injuries on the roads are worrying as they affect economic growth.
At least 4,500 people die every year on the roads and 20,000 others are hospitalised with critical injuries, the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) data shows.
President Ruto said this trend is unsustainable as the government and families spend huge amounts of money that should be going to development and other needs on taking care of the injured.
“Our focus is on results in this action plan. Our target is to reduce road accidents by at least 50 percent. My expectation and that of Kenyans is that this reduction must be achieved,” President Ruto said as he unveiled the document prepared by the NTSA.
He identified corruption as one of the biggest contributors to road carnage as it aids in making drivers speed, evade inspection, drink-drive and be reckless as they can bribe their way.
The President said the government would intensify civic education and instill a culture of safety on the roads.
He added that the government would provide resources, address legal gaps and enhance automation of road safety management to curb accidents.
The President directed that all black spots and junctions on major highways and roads where most accidents happen to be fitted with cameras by the end of this year to monitor drivers’ behaviour.
He asked various stakeholders, including development partners, private sector and ordinary Kenyans, to collaborate with the government in road safety mainstreaming.
Mr Kipchumba Murkomen, the Cabinet Secretary for Roads, Transport and Public Works, said the action plan would enhance road safety as it has various measures that the government would take to keep roads safe, including the training of drivers.
He said the strategy would rely on technology that includes the use of telematics, to enhance safety on the roads.
The European Union Ambassador to Kenya Henriette Geiger said the action plan would promote safety on the road to reduce road accidents that have resulted into heavy economic losses.
She said the EU would continue to invest in various road projects and safety programmes to reduce road carnage.
The Kenya Yearbook Editorial Board (KYEB) has committed to use its publications to strengthen the public awareness on road safety.
KYEB chief executive officer, Ms Lilian Kimeto, noted that enhancing road safety awareness is an important and urgent national goal, especially at this time when the numbers of road accidents have soared.
KYEB is mandated to enhance government communications through its publications, as well as promote awareness on the different initiatives by various State agencies.
PS for MSMEs Development Susan Mang’eni (fourth left) and US and Kenyan officials during trade negotiations in Washington DC.
Kenya and the US have made great progress in the ongoing Fourth Round of the Kenya-US Strategic Trade and Investment Partnership Agreement negotiations – MSME Chapter.
The PS for MSMEs Development Susan Mang’eni acknowledged the progress after a consultative meeting with the Assistant US Trade Representative (USTR) for Africa Connie Hamilton, the Deputy Assistant US Trade Representative for Africa Bennett Harman and the Deputy Assistant US Trade Representative for Small Business Market Access and Industrial Competitiveness Christina Sevilla in Washington DC.
Ms Mangeni said that both parties are committed to closing out the MSMEs partnerships ahead of President William Ruto’s State visit to the USA next month.
The PS is accompanied by the Team Lead, Anti-Corruption Chapter and Legal Catherine Bunyasi and the Team Lead, Women, Youth and Diaspora Affairs Rose Masita.
The MSMEs sector, the biggest employer in the country, is one of the pillars of President Ruto’s Bottom-up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), where he is keen on lifting up the thousands of small businesses to enhance their participation in economic development.
Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga and the Homa Bay Woman Representative Dr. Joyce Bensuda during the newly inaugurated Ramba Modern Market
The National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF) is making strides in Homa Bay County, where the Woman Representative, Dr Joyce Bensuda, officially launched the Ramba Modern Market in Kabondo West Ward, Kabondo Kasipul Constituency on April 9.
The project aims to provide better facilities for traders and residents and, therefore, uplift the economy of the region.
The Fund, which is under the Ministry of Public Service, Youth and Gender Affairs, is a government initiative that seeks to enhance access to finances for socio-economic empowerment among women, youth, persons with disabilities, needy children and elderly persons.
The newly inaugurated Ramba Modern Market is a testament to the government’s commitment to fostering self-reliance and promoting enterprise.
The market has essential amenities such as water tanks and bathrooms, as well as free Wi-Fi significantly enhancing its functionality.
Traders were allocated stalls, alongside an apron and a plastic chair, to facilitate their business operations.
Further, traders from neighbouring Lida, Ringa and Misambi markets were provided with tents and chairs as part of their socio-economic support.
The event was graced by Governor Gladys Wanga, area MCAs and representatives from the banking sector. Their presence underscored the collective effort and partnership between the government, financial institutions and the community in bringing the project to fruition.
The newly inaugurated Ramba Modern Market.
Ramba Market, with its rich history dating back to 1930s, has evolved from a recreational playground to a thriving business hub.
It now stands as one of the largest revenue generators for Homa Bay County, attracting traders and customers from neighbouring counties.
The market’s strategic location and diverse range of business activities have made it a vital economic center for the region.
The launch of the modern market marks a significant milestone in the government’s efforts to empower vulnerable groups and promote economic growth.
It reflects the positive impact of NGAAF in transforming communities and improving the lives of Kenyans.
“ICT Cabinet Secretary Eliud Owalo (centre) and ICT PS Eng. John Tanui (left) and CEOs and officials from various institutions in the ministry during a meeting to finalise preparations for the upcoming Connected Africa Summit.
Preparations for this year’s Connected Africa Summit are in the final stages.
The summit, which is the country’s premier ICT event, will be held from April 21-25 at Uhuru Gardens in Nairobi.
On Wednesday, ICT Cabinet Secretary Eliud Owalo held a meeting with PS ICT John Tanui, ICTA CEO Stanley Kamanguya, Konza CEOJohn Okwiri, Ag MD KBC Paul Macharia as well as KIMC Peter Wakoli CEO to fine tune the preparations of the conference.
Also in the meeting were other technical officers within the ministry.
The conference is among the major ones to be held this year in the country as Kenya fast becomes a destination of choice for international events.
PS asks fish traders to take up government opportunities
Fish traders have been asked to take up opportunities in the sector offered by the government.
The PS for MSMEs Development Susan Mang’eni told the traders during an Easter holiday “meet-the-fish-hustlers-tour”, where she reflected on the status of the sector.
She educated the traders on the opportunities in her department for an all-inclusive growth as envisioned in the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda.
Aquaculture and aqua-business are a critical value chain in the country, and through her department, the PS promised to facilitate and accelerate the provision of necessary support including financing, storage and processing facilities.
She added that there would be training and linkage to the market to enable the fish farmers, processors, traders and other players in the value chain to get maximum value for their investments.
Wisley Rotich, Governor Elgeyo Marakwet (middle right) and PS Environment, Eng Festus Ngeno (middle left) during a visit with the CEO of Kenya Yearbook Editorial Board, Lilian Kimeto (right) at the KYEB offices in Nairobi
Wisley Rotich, the Governor for Elgeyo Marakwet County today visited the Kenya Year Book Editorial Board’s Headquarters in Nairobi. Governor Rotich is the Chairman of the ICT Committee at the Council of Governors and was on a familiarisation tour of the organisation.
The Governor said that his county will partner with the Board in story telling on the immense opportunities that exist in Kenya as an economy.
The Board is keen on partnering with county governments to strategically enhance communication of their development agendas and align their messaging with the national government’s BETA pillars.
President William Ruto gets a copy of the MTP IV plan from Treasury CS Njuguna Ndung’u during the launch last week. Prime CS and Foreign Minister Musalia Mudavadi (right) looks through copies of the plan
The government will connect 2.3 million Kenyans to the national electricity grid, build at least 4,600km of transmission lines as well as a million affordable houses in the next four years.
These are some of the projects that will be implemented under the Fourth Medium-Term Plan (MTP IV) unveiled last week in Nairobi by President William Ruto.
The plan seeks to accelerate the country’s economic progress towards becoming a middle-income industrialised nation as envisioned under Vision 2030. President Ruto said MTP IV focuses on the country’s economic growth especially at the grassroots, where the government is implementing its Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).
“In the next four years we will spearhead radical economic turnaround, fostering inclusive growth and enhancing the livelihoods and welfare of citizens, particularly those at the bottom level,” President Ruto said.
Under the MTP IV, President Ruto said the government would create over 1.2 million jobs every year to boost livelihoods as well as catalyse economic growth.
His said his government will further build over 6,000 kilometres of new roads and 277 footbridges to enhance mobility across the country.
As the weather continues to be erratic due to climate change effects, President Ruto said the government would prioritise investments in the sector to build resilience and stem off threats. This will be achieved through construction of water pans in arid and arid areas and rehabilitation of dams to support irrigation farming that is key in boosting the country’s food security.
The country would also invest more in renewable energy projects for production of clean energy and reduce greenhouse gas emission. The construction of 100,000km fibre optic cable to boost internet access and grow the digital economy is on course, said President Ruto adding that the target would be achieved in the two years.
In the four years, the government will enhance financing of women and the youth.
The financing of the Women Enterprise Fund will progressively be increased from the current Sh4.5 billion to Sh13.5 billion in the next three years.
Similarly, the Hustler Fund, which has disbursed close to Sh40 billion in micro-loans will also see its allocation increased.
In the health sector, the country will expand social health insurance, targeting to reach over 10.8 million households and digitise health services during the four-year period.
“Over 20,000 health workers will be recruited to support the health commodities supply chain,” said President Ruto.
To boost education, the President said the government will recruit and train over 100,000 teachers and automate the basic education system, expand Technical and Vocational Education and Training and scale up admissions to the National Open University.
Prime CS Musalia Mudavadi said the implementation of the plan would be closely monitored and evaluated by higher authorities to ensure its success.
“There will be no room to go outside the framework of the MTP IV. Its monitoring will be from the highest level. This, therefore, calls for total commitment in its implementation,” said Mudavadi.
President William Ruto (second right) and Prime CS Musalia Mudavadi (third right) with Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa (right) and other national and county leaders during the Kakamega International Investment Conference
The bottom-up economic transformation agenda is gaining momentum across the counties as the devolved units seek to boost investments in their regions.
Many of the county governments are aligning their goals to the national government’s Bottom-up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), with the focus being on the five key pillars namely agriculture, healthcare, MSMEs, affordable housing and digital superhighway and creative economy.
Kakamega County is among those implementing various development projects aligned to BETA pillars, with Governor Fernandes Barasa saying the devolved unit’s goals seamlessly support the national agenda. With agriculture being the economic mainstay of the region, Governor Barasa says the county is keen to enhance food security and support farmers.
One of the county’s flagship projects in the sector is the construction of an organic fertiliser and animal feeds plant at Matawa Industrial Park in Mumias West sub-county.
Regen Organics, a US-based private firm, is setting up the plant, which is expected to significantly create employment opportunities and ultimately boost food security.
“This plant will hire more than 500 people and will also provide sustainable and affordable organic fertiliser and animal feeds to the people of Kakamega and Kenya as a whole,” said US Ambassador Meg Witman at the recently held Kakamega International Investment Conference (KAIICO), where the deal was announced.
With concern over the quality and affordability of organic inputs for farmers in the region growing, the announcement on establishment of the plant has been met with great enthusiasm.
“I would love to grow organic food. However, the inputs are too expensive compared to synthetic ones. I believe once the factory is set up we would get affordable fertiliser,” said Selestine Isese, a resident of Lugari sub-county.
She added that there are many organic inputs in the market making it difficult for farmers to distinguish fake from quality ones.
In the livestock sector, a notable initiative by the county government is the promotion of dairy goat farming, which is expected to contribute to the wealth creation agenda, with 152 farmers already trained in production.
“To further support dairy farming, the county has invested in fodder processing equipment, including two fodder shredding machines and one hammer mill, aimed at increasing dairy feed production in the operational County Smart Dairy Farms located in Bukura, Matungu, Kabras and Khwisero,” said Mr Barasa.
President William Ruto interacts with a youth bee farmer during the conference
Further, the completion of the construction of the Isukha Central Fish Hatchery, with support from the national government’s Kenya Climate Smart Agriculture Project (KCSAP), will produce quality fingerlings for distribution to fish farmers at subsidised prices.
In the health sector, the county has not only expanded the infrastructure but also taken strategic steps in improving access to services.
“We have distributed medical drugs and non-pharmaceuticals worth Sh130 million across all health facilities in the county. The aim of this initiative is to ensure adequate and timely supply of health products and technologies to meet the needs of the community,” said the governor.
The county government launched the Community Health Strategy Policy, which is aimed at improving the welfare of Community Health Workers and enhance healthcare delivery at the grassroots. This aligns with the national government’s efforts to boost health care through the Community Health Promoters initiative.
The completion and operationalisation of the Level 6 Kakamega County Teaching and Referral Hospital (KCTRH) is also expected to turnaround healthcare provision.
On MSMEs economy, the county has automated the County Microfinance Loan Management System, a move geared towards enhancing efficiency and effectiveness in the disbursement of financial assistance. “Already, Sh23.2 million has been disbursed to 240 traders across Kakamega County, empowering local entrepreneurs and stimulating economic activity,” said Mr Barasa.
To enhance access to electricity, four transformers are being installed and 452 households connected to the power grid, improving livelihoods and fostering socio-economic development.
“As national government, we are happy with the efforts of Kakamega in regards to electrifying the county. We commit to supporting through the last mile project. By the end of this year, we will have linked 40,000 households to the national grid,” President Ruto stated at the event. This also aligns with the Fourth Medium-Term Plan (MTP IV) unveiled last week in which the national government will connect 2.3 million Kenyans to the national electricity grid.
The Kakamega Affordable Housing project is also on course, with 220 affordable housing units in Lurambi, already commissioned.
Through a partnership with the national government, the county seeks to build 2,000 units. Again, the drive aligns with the MTP IV, which seeks to build one million affordable houses in the next four years country-wide.
“The county has a shortage of housing. So, this is a great opportunity for investors,” said Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale.
Kakamega is keen on enhancing climate mitigation, especially projects that seek to protect the Kakamega Forest.
“We launched the Kakamega Forest Restoration Programme in collaboration with First Lady Rachel Ruto, which will see the erection of an electric perimeter fence around the forest to mitigate on human-wildlife conflicts, as well as stem the effects of climate change,” said Governor Barasa.
In collaboration with the Ministry of Information, Communications and the Digital Economy, the county has boosted internet access, with free Wi-Fi services being installed at Mwiyala and Musoli primary schools in Lurambi and Ikolomani sub-counties respectively.
