Principal Secretary for Broadcasting and Telecommunications Stephen Isaboke moderating a session on Sustainable Last Mile Internet Connectivity Models in Kenya during the Global UK Digital Access Programme (DAP) Peer Learning Event
Kenya is accelerating digital skills development and expanding last-mile internet connectivity to close the digital divide, government officials and international partners said at the Global UK Digital Access Programme (DAP) Peer Learning Event in Nairobi on Wednesday.
Principal Secretary for Broadcasting and Telecommunications Stephen Isaboke delivered remarks and moderated a session on Sustainable Last-Mile Internet Connectivity Models in Kenya.
He emphasized the country’s commitment to inclusive, community-driven connectivity, anchored in the Constitution of Kenya (2010) and the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).
“We are proud that over 97 per cent of the country is covered by 4G, but coverage alone is not enough. What matters is meaningful connectivity that people can actually use to improve their lives,” Isaboke said.
Despite rapid broadband expansion, the forum highlighted that digital skills remain a major gap, particularly among youth, women, persons with disabilities, and communities in arid and semi-arid lands (ASAL).
“If we want to move from pilot projects to real scale, we must support models that can be replicated, reinvest locally, and remain viable without permanent donor support. That is how we ensure that digital inclusion is not temporary, but sustainable, inclusive, and transformative,” said Alessandra Lustrati, Head of Digital Development at the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and Senior Responsible Owner of the UK Digital Access Programme.
Through the ICT Authority and UK-DAP partners, Kenya has rolled out digital skilling programmes using classroom-based training, webinars, bootcamps, and emerging AI-powered learning models.
These initiatives are reaching millions of Kenyans across both ASAL and non-ASAL counties.
Principal Secretary for Broadcasting and Telecommunications Stephen Isaboke tours exhibitions during the Global UK Digital Access Programme (DAP) Peer Learning Event
Forum participants noted that effective digital inclusion requires addressing the full ecosystem, including policy coordination, training delivery, affordability, device access, and community uptake of digital services.
Kenya has achieved over 97 per cent 4G coverage and approximately 30 per cent 5G reach.
However, internet usage remains below five per cent in some counties, including parts of Marsabit and Mandera, due to affordability constraints, limited access to devices, skills gaps, and a lack of locally relevant digital services.
“Last-mile connectivity only works when it is treated as a complete system, not just infrastructure,” Isaboke said.
“It requires enabling policy and regulation, fair access to spectrum, sustainable business models, environmental resilience, and affordable financing for local and community providers.”
The government is prioritizing last-mile connectivity through the Universal Service Fund, targeting unserved and underserved sub-locations with fibre rollout, ICT hubs, support to community institutions, and innovative access models. Isaboke also stressed the importance of cybersecurity as connectivity expands.
Principal Secretary for Broadcasting and Telecommunications Stephen Isaboke moderating a session on Sustainable Last Mile Internet Connectivity Models in Kenya during the Global UK Digital Access Programme (DAP) Peer Learning Event
“As we expand access, cybersecurity becomes critical to building trust, protecting infrastructure, and ensuring that citizens can safely adopt and use digital services,” he said.
Experts noted that in sparsely populated regions, traditional mobile network business models often struggle. Community-led networks and alternative access providers are essential for sustainable connectivity.
Such models address affordability, skills development, safety, local ownership, and create new economic opportunities while supporting entrepreneurship.
“Leaving no one behind remains at the core of our digital agenda,” Isaboke said.
The forum brought together participants from Kenya and partner countries to share lessons on scalable, inclusive, and sustainable digital development models for replication across emerging economies.
PS Isaboke was joined by the Secretary for Telecommunications and Postal Services, Alphonce Kanunga, and the Secretary for Information and Broadcasting, Temesi Mukani.
The Global UK Digital Access Programme (DAP) Peer Learning Event