The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) unveiled a five-year strategic plan (2023-2027) to ensure all Kenyans access to affordable, reliable and quality communication services.
This plan marks a significant shift. Unlike previous iterations, it prioritizes the needs of the people, putting “Digital Access for All” at its core.
Four Pillars for a Digital Future
The plan rests on four pillars that will shape Kenya’s digital landscape:
- Connectivity: Expanding meaningful access to ICT services for all Kenyans.
- Empowerment: Protecting and empowering consumers in the digital world.
- Innovation: Fostering a competitive market that embraces emerging technologies.
- Efficiency: Strengthening the CA’s effectiveness in regulating the sector.
Ambitious Goals and Increased Focus on Inclusion
This plan sets ambitious targets, aiming for a 95% implementation rate compared to the 72.6% achieved in the previous plan.
“Our target for this strategic plan is 95 per cent. The strategic plan we are launching today seeks to build on previous achievements,” CA Director General David Mugonyi noted.
A key focus is bridging the digital divide. The CA recognizes the importance of ICT access for everyone, regardless of location. The revenue generated will be partly used to fund initiatives that promote digital inclusion.
CA projects to spend Ksh 88.6 billion over the next five years.
“I am happy to note that this is the first time in my experience of strategic planning spanning over 25 years, that I have seen a strategic plan that is self-financing and has a surplus which indicates that CA is doing a commendable job in matters of financial management,” Eluid Owalo Cabinet Secretary (CS), Ministry of Information, Communications and The Digital Economy Cabinet Secretary (CS) said in Nairobi during the launch.
Budget allocation
- Largest Share (Ksh 28.6 billion): ICT Infrastructure. This includes projects like broadband development, public broadcasting studios, digital postal hubs, and cybersecurity improvements.
- Institutional Excellence (Ksh 27.8 billion): This covers costs associated with improving the CA’s efficiency and effectiveness.
- Administrative Costs (Ksh 23.1 billion): These are the day-to-day operational expenses of the CA.
- Consumer Protection, Competitive Market, Consumer Empowerment, Emerging Technologies, and Environmental Sustainability: These critical areas will receive Ksh 1.2 billion over five years. This includes Ksh 313.6 million for environmental sustainability and Ksh 565.3 million for fostering a competitive market.
“In addition, we seek to further support the delivery of BETA by providing opportunities for ICT readiness for Kenyans through the implementation of a flagship project that entails the development of a global innovation hub. This will comprise an ICT convention centre, a Smart Multi-office Storey Block and a Data Centre,” Ms Mary W. Mungai Chairperson Board of Directors CA discloses.
The previous plan (2018-2022) saw progress in mobile network expansion (2G, 3G, 4G) and a rise in mobile phone subscriptions. The successful rollout of 5G technology, with over 449,000 subscribers by June 2023, was an accomplishment.
