The National Assembly’s Committee on Communication, Information and Innovation has concluded an intensive oversight meeting with the Ministry of Information, Communication and the Digital Economy, scrutinizing budget implementation, stalled projects, and policy gaps slowing down Kenya’s digital transformation.

Lawmakers emphasized that Kenyans must benefit fully from the digital economy through timely reforms, accountability, and prudent use of public resources.

Committee Chairperson, John Kiarie stressed the urgency of bridging digital gaps across the country.

“While challenges remain, from delayed legislation to poor connectivity, our goal is to build a sector that is accountable, inclusive, and innovative, one where every citizen can access services and opportunities with ease,” he said.

A key focus was how agencies under the Ministry are utilizing their budgets. Members pressed for clarity on expenditure versus results, warning that delayed legislation and weak implementation drain resources without delivering value.

Kiarie questioned why critical bills, including the ICT Authority Bill and the National Addressing Bill, remain pending despite budget allocations.

Concerns were also raised over the Communications Authority of Kenya’s slow rollout of programs and its decision to discontinue child online protection campaigns, which members cited as poor prioritization of resources.

On infrastructure, legislators examined the billions allocated to fiber rollout, citing persistent interruptions linked to Kenya Power outages.

They called for stronger inter-agency coordination to avoid waste and ensure continuity of projects such as Konza Technopolis, which is set to resume works on September 15 following agreements with contractors and Communications Authority of Kenya.

Budget delays in ICT hubs across the country also came under scrutiny. Hon. Joseph Tonui noted that while funds had been allocated, many hubs remain without devices or internet connectivity.

Homabay MP Joyce Bensuda criticized the Cabinet Secretary for his repeated absence from such crucial engagements, stressing that laxity in budget oversight would not be tolerated.

Connectivity in Prisons

Connectivity in prisons was another concern.

Nandi Hills MP Kitur Kibor and Nominate MP Umulkher Harun observed that despite allocations, facilities lack basic ICT equipment, leaving detainees disadvantaged as courts shift to virtual proceedings.

PS Eng. John Tanui assured the Committee that plans for prison connectivity would soon take effect.

Agencies presented updates on their budget performance.

Active WiFi Sites

ICT Authority reported that over 1,700 public Wi-Fi sites are active, with solarization efforts underway to counter power shortages.

The Kenya Advanced Institute of Science and Technology confirmed that allocations are being used to recruit faculty ahead of its first student intake in May 2026.

The Kenya Institute of Mass Communication called for MPs’ support for the Kenya School of Communication Bill to secure sustainable funding for training in media and creative arts.

Financial Challenges in State Corporations

State corporations facing financial distress also came into focus.

The Kenya Broadcasting Corporation disclosed that a historical debt from a Japanese loan has ballooned to Ksh90.7 billion, raising insolvency risks despite past Treasury interventions

Posta Kenya revealed liabilities of Ksh7.1 billion, including pension arrears and supplier debts, calling for debt restructuring and a sustainability strategy.

The Committee emphasized that budgets must translate into tangible results for Kenyans rather than recurrent bottlenecks.

Members signaled their intent to table a report before the House recommending stricter oversight, timelines for stalled projects, and legislative action on pending bills.

“Our responsibility is to ensure every shilling allocated to this sector transforms lives,” said Hon. Kiarie. “We will not allow inefficiency or neglect to hold back MP Kenya’s digital future.”

The National Assembly’s Committee on Communication, Information and Innovation Chairperson, John Kiarie during a session on September 11, 2025. PHOTO/Parliament.