The Kenya
Digital Economy Acceleration Project (KDEAP) is poised to transform the
country's digital landscape, thanks to a significant investment from the
private sector. According to the Principal Secretary - State Department of ICT
and Digital Economy, John Kipchumba Tanui the private sector will play a
critical role in expanding broadband access, driving innovation, creating jobs,
and enhancing digital skills.
Speaking at the
KDEAP Stakeholder Engagement Workshop, Eng. Tanui emphasized the government's
commitment to deploying 52,000 km of fiber, with the private sector expected to
deploy an additional 48,000 km. This massive investment in digital
infrastructure is expected to have a profound impact on Kenya's economy,
enabling businesses to thrive and creating new opportunities for citizens.
The workshop
brought together key stakeholders, including Stanley Kamanguya, CEO of ICT
Authority; Dr. Tim Kelly, Task Team Lead for KDEAP at the World Bank; and David
Mugonyi, Director General of the Communications Authority of Kenya. The event
provided a platform for stakeholders to align on the project's objectives and
strategies.
The KDEAP is a
comprehensive project aimed at accelerating Kenya's digital economy. The
project has received a $390 million grant from the World Bank and will be
implemented in three phases.The project's components include digital
infrastructure and services, digital government and services, and digital
skills and markets.
The private
sector's investment in KDEAP is expected to drive innovation, create jobs, and
enhance digital skills. The project's focus on digital skills development will
equip young Kenyans with the skills needed to compete in the global digital
economy.
By: Nana Appiah Acquaye
