MACHAKOS: The Kenyan government has inaugurated Phases Four and Five of the Last Mile County Connectivity Project (LMCCP), a significant step in enhancing internet access through the National Fibre Backbone Infrastructure (NOFBI). The event, held at the Machakos County Commissioner’s office, was officiated by Felix Koskei, the Head of Civil Service and Chief of Staff.
According to Kenya News Agency, Phase Four of LMCCP will ensure the connectivity of 455 sites, including schools and various government offices in county headquarters. This phase includes installing 78 kilometers of fibre optic and setting up Wi-Fi hotspots for public use, facilitating widespread digital access for citizens.
During his keynote speech at Machakos University, Koskei highlighted that Phase Five will expand coverage to the sub-counties, targeting 660 sites across 110 sub-counties. This ambitious phase aims to integrate remote areas into the digital ecosystem, deploying an additional 102 kilometers of fibre and Wi-Fi hotspots to stimulate local innovation and community development.
The Head of Civil Service emphasized that LMCCP aligns with the Bottom Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), designed to boost economic activities and streamline government service delivery nationwide. Koskei expressed the government’s commitment to utilizing technology for sustainable development, striving to transform Kenya into a digitally empowered nation.
Koskei praised LMCCP as a pivotal move towards advancing Kenya’s technological capabilities and inclusive growth. He stressed the project’s role in addressing the digital divide and ensuring equitable access to government services for all Kenyans.
Addressing the need for further investments in connectivity and digital technology, Koskei pointed out the current challenges with digital infrastructure and the government’s efforts to extend NOFBI across all 47 counties.
Eliud Owalo, the Cabinet Secretary for Information, Communications, and The Digital Economy, speaking at the event, stated that the project has been implemented across all counties, enhancing internet services in government offices. This connectivity enables various essential services, including inter-county communication and video conferencing.
ICT and Digital Economy PS Eng. John Tanui revealed that the digital economy accounts for 18% of Kenya’s GDP and is growing significantly faster than the physical economy. He asserted that LMCCP would ensure no Kenyan is left behind in the digital transformation.
The event also saw the launch of the Jitume lab at Machakos University and Machakos Technical Institute for the Blind. The ceremony was attended by other prominent figures, including Technical and Vocational Education and Training PS Dr. Esther Muoria, Veronica Nduva (Performance and Delivery Management), Teresia Mbaika (Devolution), John Kiarie (Chair Parliamentary committee on ICT), and Caleb Mule (Machakos Town MP).