Government Launches Nationwide Free Public Wi-Fi Rollout to Bridge Digital Divide
NAIROBI — In a landmark move to accelerate digital inclusion, the Kenyan government has officially launched a massive nationwide rollout of free public Wi-Fi, aiming to provide millions of citizens with internet access in towns and market centers across the country. The ambitious initiative, unveiled by the Cabinet Secretary for Information, Communication, and the Digital Economy, targets the installation of high-speed internet hotspots in public spaces including county headquarters, bus parks, markets, and selected educational institutions. The program represents a central pillar of the government’s Digital Transformation Agenda, designed to boost economic participation, enhance service delivery, and empower citizens with access to information and online opportunities.
The initial phase of the rollout will connect over 100 selected locations, with priority given to high-traffic urban and peri-urban areas. The installation and maintenance will be managed through a public-private partnership with leading technology and telecommunications firms, ensuring the infrastructure is robust and sustainable. The government has emphasized that the service will be genuinely free, with no hidden data charges, allowing users to access government e-services, educational content, and job portals without financial burden. This is about democratizing the internet. We are transforming public spaces into digital hubs where a student can download learning materials, a trader can look up market prices, and a youth can apply for jobs online, stated a senior official from the Ministry of ICT during the launch event in Nairobi’s Central Business District.
Reaction from the public and digital rights advocates has been largely positive, though coupled with calls for equitable implementation and privacy safeguards. This initiative has the potential to revolutionize digital literacy and e-commerce at the grassroots level, remarked Grace Otieno, a community organizer in Kisumu. However, it is crucial that the coverage extends beyond major towns to include rural markets and that clear data protection measures are in place to protect users. Concerns also remain about the long-term sustainability of the free model and the quality of connectivity during peak usage times.
The long-term success of the free Wi-Fi program will depend on consistent funding, regular maintenance, and strategic expansion. The government has outlined plans to progressively scale the network to cover all 47 counties, integrating it with other digital literacy campaigns to maximize impact. If effectively managed, this infrastructure could significantly reduce the country’s digital access gap, foster innovation in local economies, and serve as a backbone for a more connected, informed, and digitally skilled population. This rollout positions Kenya firmly on the path toward its goal of becoming a fully inclusive digital economy.