Kenya, South Korea to explore expansion of digital superhighway by 100,000 km

Ministry of Information, Communication and the Digital Economy Cabinet Secretary Eliud Owalo says the government of Kenya and South Korea will explore further cooperation in expanding the digital superhighway by 100,000 km.

During the 2022 International Conference on Economic Innovation Partnership Program in South Korea, CS Owalo said the move will take a positive step in the digital world through digitisation of all government services, records, and processes.

The CS, who accompanied President William Ruto on the state visit said much can be achieved if the two countries continue with the good relationship.

“Government of Kenya is committed to expanding the national digital superhighway by 100,000km over the next ten years. This is envisaged as a public-private partnership programme. We see this as an opportunity for further exploration and cooperation between our country and the Republic of Korea,” CS Owalo noted.

In achieving some of the planned projects to promote universal and affordable access to internet connectivity across the country, CS Owalo said the government is committed and sees South Korea as a good partner to offer support.

“We are also committed to establishing 25,000 free digital hotspots for our people, by creating digital centres in all marketplaces in our country and to connecting all public institutions, schools, and hospitals to the national digital superhighway, through public funding and cooperation with private partners. Once again we see this as an area of possible cooperation with Korea,” he added. 

The Republic of Korea has played an integral part in projects in Kenya, and CS Owalo appreciates the support, calling for more dialogue in areas that can create more jobs.

“The generous support from the Government of Korea has enabled Konza Technopolis to initiate processes for the establishment of various key projects in the advancement of our digital technology in Kenya,” he said

“Another important area is that of equipping the people with the essential digital skills, through training, especially for their participation in E-commerce. We remain, once again, open for dialogue in this area,” he added.