Internet still a strange notion in rural Kenya

By Renson Mnymwezi

A number of Kenyans are still unable to benefit from the vibrant telecommunication sector despite aggressive strategies adopted by operators to acquire more customers.

According to the Communications Commission of Kenya (CCK), more that 72 per cent of Kenyans do not have access to Internet while 11 per cent lack telephone access.

CCK Director General Francis Wangusi said rural areas with low incomes and remote areas with sparse population are the worst affected by inadequate telecommunications services. Also affected are insecurity infrastructure challenged areas and persons with disabilities.

He said CCK in partnership with other government agencies, operators and stakeholders are working together to increase the penetration of ICT services to Kenyans.

Wangusi said it is estimated that at least Sh74 billion is required to seal these gaps by supplying telecommunications services countrywide, especially in rural and remote areas.

rural areas

“Our dividend is seeing all Kenyans reaping the benefits of ICT,” he said during the official launch of the e-learning Resource centre at Werugha Community Library in Wundanyi, Taita-Taveta County.

The project is a partnership between CCK and Kenya National Library Services (KNLS). Also present were KNLS Director Richard Atuti, KNLS chairman Silas Kobia and his CCK counterpart Ben Gituka.

Wangusi disclosed that the commission remained committed to partnering with Kenyans to bring developments to all parts of the country.  Atuti pointed out that people in rural areas have limited income and cannot afford to pay for connectivity to online services, especially government services.

He said the State and development partners should expand Internet connectivity to all libraries accessible to the public.