Nairobi: The Government has allocated Sh1 trillion towards the Infrastructure, Energy, and ICT sectors to drive national development from 2022 to 2025. State Department for Broadcasting and Telecommunications Principal Secretary Stephen Isaboke revealed that the sector utilized Sh1 trillion out of an approved Sh1.24 trillion, reflecting an 85.7 percent absorption rate.

According to Kenya News Agency, Isaboke emphasized the importance of prioritizing these sectors to maximize public impact despite fiscal limitations and challenges like rising cybercrime. He spoke at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) while presenting the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework Budget report for the Financial Year 2026/27 - 2028/29.

Principal Secretary for ICT and the Digital Economy, Eng John Tanui, highlighted significant progress in 10 sub-sectors, including transport, roads, public works, housing, energy, and telecommunications. The sector is supported by 12 autonomous agencies and 35 State corporations working collaboratively to enhance national infrastructure and service delivery.

The government constructed 1,798 kilometers of new roads, rehabilitated 305 kilometers, and maintained 102,561 kilometers under routine maintenance. Additionally, 2,111 kilometers underwent periodic maintenance and 28,844 kilometers were managed under performance-based contracts.

Developments in the transportation sector include the construction of the Miritini Meter Gauge Railway Station, modernization of Mombasa Port terminals, development of Shimoni Fish Port, and refurbishment of JKIA Terminals 1B and 1C. Under the ICT and Digital Economy initiatives, 7,000 kilometers of fiber have been deployed, connecting 82 hospitals and 1,114 public institutions to high-speed internet.

The government digitized 17,668 services on e-Citizen and trained 1.5 million youth, linking 182,568 to online jobs through programs like Ajira Digital and Presidential DigiTalent. In Broadcasting and Telecommunications, 17,521 TV news items and 73,323 print stories were produced, with 11,000 media practitioners trained and 28,000 journalists accredited.

In housing and urban development, 2,185 affordable housing units were completed, with ongoing construction of 83,000 units at 32 percent completion. The government also completed 44 markets, advanced 239 market constructions, installed security and floodlights, and issued 2,029 title deeds.

In the energy sector, installed generation capacity increased by 160 MW, with 405 kilometers of transmission and 1,321 kilometers of distribution lines constructed. Additionally, 169,494 solar home systems were installed, and 1.18 million new customers were connected to electricity.

Dr. James Gachanja from KIPPRA noted the role of strong governance and development partner support in these achievements, while highlighting persistent challenges like funding gaps and land-related issues. Improved intergovernmental coordination is deemed essential.

Eng Tanui outlined government priorities for 2026-2029, including new road construction, rehabilitation, and the development of transport policies. The completion of the Ruiru-Githunguri-Mitake Railway Line and infrastructure for the Dogo Kundu Special Economic Zone are also planned.

Isaboke assured that public participation would continue to ensure investments reflect public priorities and deliver socio-economic benefits.