Extend free Internet offer to universities

The recent move by Safaricom to roll out free Internet for schools in support of the Government’s school laptop project is commendable.

Just as Airtel’s free Internet for schools, which has seen 167 institutions connected countrywide, and is still targeting more schools in all counties, Safaricom’s initiative will enhance technological and knowledge development in counties and generally in the whole country.

Although the move by the two leading telecommunication firms to provide free Internet to primary schools is welcome, it would have been more encouraging if such an offer was also extended to higher institutions of learning, especially local universities.

This is imperative because learners in the higher institutions will easily integrate the utility of technology for active socio-economic development in the country. This is possible because universities lead in research and innovation. Therefore, empowering them with Internet will greatly facilitate both referencing and sharing of knowledge and information.