ICT CHAIRMAN ACCOMPANIES CS ELIUD OWALO TO THE INAUGURATION.
In a launch meeting attended by CS Eliud Owalo, PS-ICT, Eng. John K. Tanui, the chairman of COG’s ICT Committee Governor, Wesley Rotich (Elgeyo-Marakwet), Chairman of Senate ICT Committee, Sen Allan Chesang of Trans-Nzoia, Nelson Talit County commissioner of Trans-Nzoia, Trans Nzoia county secretary Turphosa Amela and, Hon Noah Wekesa, as well as a raft of other National and, county government leaders commissioned the Jitume Digital Centre in Trans-Nzoia.
These digital centers are part of fulfilment of the charters that the President, Dr. William Samoei Ruto PHD, CGH and, the Kenya Kwanza team promised the people of Kenya during the campaign periods. The Digital centers came up after consultative forums that were held in every county in the country before the General elections of August 2022.
Speaking during the launch, the Cabinet Secretary for Information, communication and, digital economy, Mr. Eliud Owalo has said that they are placing at least one Jitume Digital Center in every ward in the country. This will total to 1450 centers after completion. The Trans-Nzoia Digital Centre was launched at the Kitale National Polytechnic.
He, CS Eliud Owalo, reiterated that these centers will train the youth for digitally enabled jobs on the internet and, also providing free wi-fi to these centers. This is line with the Kenya National Digital Masterplan 2022-2023 and, the Bottom-up Economic transformation Agenda (BETA). CS has also said that the Government is in the quest to move the youth from learners to instant learners because ICT is the future and, a game changer.
Trans-Nzoia Senator, Allan Chesang, has reiterated the CS words and, also adding that the launch is a major step towards digital empowerment and, economic growth. He has expressed his gratitude to the commitment of leaders and, their dedication to provide not only digital services and, skills but also opportunities for the youth.
Senator Allan Chesang has said that these labs will be hubs of innovation, collaboration, and, research which will accelerate the countrys’ digital transformation journey. Adding that the youth and, people of Kenya at large should embrace the power of ICT for a prosperous future.
Earlier, June 27th, Sen Allan Chesang Chaired a meeting where the committee heard that Telkom Kenya owes the American Tower Corporation (ACT), Ksh 4 billion for a telecommunication tower sale and, leaseback transaction dated October 2018. The committee was considering a correspondence request by the American Corporation Tower (ACT), where they informed the committee that Telkom has failed to meet its agreement despite them providing services and, upholding its agreements.
The independent passive telecommunication owner has informed the Committee, led by Sen Allan Chesang, that the county Governments of Meru, Mombasa, Kajiado and, Laikipia have increased fees for permit approvals and, annual business licenses imposed on telecommunication tower sites. After a detailed meeting, the committee members resolved to invite ATC Kenya’s management and, the Governors of the affected counties to give their account so as to find the best way forward.
