Kakamega’s Drive for Digital Inclusion: Free Wi-Fi for All
If you live in Kakamega County, you might soon find it much easier to get online—without paying a cent. The county government has kicked off plans to launch three new public Wi-Fi sub stations as part of a wider vision to turn Kakamega into a digital powerhouse. These first three stations are landing in Lumakanda (Northern Region), Mumias West (Southern Region), and Lurambi (Central Region). It’s just the start, with officials saying every sub county could eventually get connected if all goes well.
Cyrus Ondari, representing the Department of Finance, Economic Planning, and ICT, says this is about more than just convenience. The goal is to give everyone—especially young people—a shot at online work, digital learning, and new business tools that rely on strong, reliable internet. Kakamega isn’t just talking about catching up; they want to leap ahead and brand themselves as a real ‘smart age county.’
The timing couldn’t be better. Kakamega’s been handpicked by Safaricom to test out blazing-fast 5G mobile internet, so people aren’t only getting ordinary connectivity—they’ll have access to some of the fastest data speeds in Kenya. This aligns perfectly with the rollout of free Wi-Fi, since better devices, networks, and hotspots all work best together. Imagine streaming a TED Talk in HD while downloading a digital skills workbook and hunting for a remote job—without any buffering or stress over data bundles.
Taking Advantage: ICT Centers and Digital Jobs for Youth
There’s more than just hotspots at stake. The county has teamed up with the national Ministry of ICT, Innovation and Youth Affairs to set up nine ICT centers in places like Ikolomani, Navakholo, Matungu, and Lurambi. These facilities are open doors for anyone eager to jump into online courses, polish up their digital CV, or even try remote work. Picture a cluster of computers, a stable connection, and trainers ready to help you figure out how Ajira—Kenya’s biggest online jobs platform—actually works. It’s all totally free for users.
This move could be a game-changer, especially as more young people are looking for side hustles and full-time gigs online. The pandemic taught many that physical jobs aren’t the only options, and programs like Ajira exist specifically to connect Kenyans with everything from transcription to online tutoring. By making sure rural and urban youth alike have a place to skill up and log in, Kakamega is hacking away at that stubborn digital divide.
- Three Wi-Fi sub stations going live in Lumakanda, Mumias West, and Lurambi
- Nine county-run ICT centers already up and running in other areas
- All residents—especially young jobseekers—can use these services for free
- Kakamega is part of Safaricom’s 5G trial, offering some of Kenya’s fastest internet speeds
- Big focus on partnerships and calling for donors to expand access to all 12 sub counties
The county is actively reaching out to sponsors and donors to grow the network—so one sub station in each sub county could become a reality faster. Ondari says it’s all about empowering young people, helping small businesses, and showing how technology can drive real economic progress right here in western Kenya. When tech and vision meet, things can change quickly. Kakamega wants to prove it.
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