Digital Economy Push: 5,000 Gets Fiber Optic Upgrade in Nairobi

Kenya is intensifying its efforts to position itself as Africa’s leading digital hub through the ambitious Digital Superhighway and Creative Economy initiative, a cornerstone of the government’s national development agenda. Over the past two decades, the country has invested heavily in ICT infrastructure — including six submarine fiber-optic cables and over 9,000 kilometers of terrestrial fiber connecting nearly all county headquarters. With mobile broadband coverage reaching 96 percent of the population and mobile phone penetration surpassing 80 percent, Kenya has become a global leader in mobile innovation and digital finance, particularly through platforms such as M-Pesa.
The government’s digital strategy aims to achieve universal broadband access within five years by constructing an additional 100,000 kilometers of national fiber network. This effort will not only improve connectivity but also enhance access to public services, with a target to digitize and automate 80 percent of government processes. The plan also includes developing Konza Technopolis into a world-class innovation hub where academia, industry, and startups can collaborate on technologies such as artificial intelligence, robotics, and software for export. Furthermore, the government intends to lower the cost of calls and data, enabling more Kenyans—especially youth—to access online platforms for education, business, and entertainment.
Beyond connectivity, the Digital Superhighway initiative is central to Kenya’s broader economic transformation. By strengthening digital infrastructure, the country expects to stimulate growth across key sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). The initiative will also boost revenue collection through automation of VAT systems, while adhering to environmental standards outlined in Kenya’s global commitments. The creation of a Presidential Advisory Council on Science and Technology Policy will guide these developments and ensure a coordinated national approach to digital innovation. As Kenya moves forward, these investments are poised to create thousands of high-quality jobs, expand digital trade, and solidify the nation’s position as a regional leader in technology and creative industries.