Kenya's Cabinet Secretary for Information,
Communication, and Digital Economy, Dr. Margaret Nyambura Ndung'u, has hosted
Airtel Kenya's CEO, Ashish Malhotra. During their meeting, Mr. Malhotra
reaffirmed Airtel's commitment to investing in Kenya's digital economy,
particularly in expanding network coverage.
Dr. Ndung'u welcomed Airtel's dedication to ensuring
connectivity reaches underserved communities. She noted the importance of
addressing challenges, embracing opportunities, and working together to create
a regulatory framework that fosters growth. By doing so, Kenya can unlock the
full potential of digitization for every citizen.
One of the pressing challenges in Kenya's digital
landscape is the lack of connectivity in rural areas. Millions of citizens
remain without access to affordable and reliable internet services, limiting
their participation in the digital economy. This digital divide exacerbates
inequality, leaving rural communities without access to essential services like
e-government, education, and e-commerce.
Dr. Ndung’u reaffirmed the government’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for collaboration and innovation. By working closely with stakeholders across the public and private sectors, the Ministry aims to unlock the full potential of digitization for every Kenyan.
To bridge this gap, public-private partnerships can
play a transformative role. By leveraging Airtel's expertise and investments,
Kenya can accelerate progress in expanding network coverage, innovative
solutions for affordability, and capacity building.
A balanced regulatory framework is crucial in
supporting both industry growth and citizen welfare. Such a framework should
encourage investment, foster fair competition, and protect consumer rights.
By:
Kanto Okanta
