ICT CS Eliud Owalo Advocates for Open University and Digital Expansion

The government plans to enhance access and quality by establishing the National Open University at Konza Technopolis, initially enrolling 1,000 students.

ICT Cabinet Secretary (CS) Eliud Owalo encouraged Kenyans to enroll in the Open University of Kenya, emphasizing the cost-efficiency and convenience of this learning model.

He reported that over 2,000 students have already joined, thanks to the initiative launched through the Konza Metropolis. Owalo highlighted that all one needs to enroll is a phone or a computer.

Speaking at Weru TVC in Malindi, where he inaugurated a digital hub, Owalo announced that this facility is the 205th of its kind in the country, with an additional 1,450 hubs planned for all Wards, particularly targeting TVETs in rural areas.

He revealed that so far, 490,000 youth have been trained in digital technology.

Owalo detailed the government’s new strategy for extending fibre connectivity. Instead of the traditional method of laying cables underground, which is vulnerable to vandalism, the government will now use Kenya Power lines.

He mentioned that 300 contractors have been engaged to begin this project, distributed evenly across the country.

The CS assured that the digital transformation under the Kenya Kwanza administration would enable Kenyans to access government services more efficiently.

He explained that interactions with the government will be streamlined, allowing citizens to apply for IDs or passports virtually, without needing personal connections in government offices.

Affordable Smartphone Initiative

Owalo discussed the ongoing efforts to produce affordable smartphones locally, in collaboration with the private sector.

This initiative aims to reduce dependency on imports from countries like China or Korea. The Neon brand handsets, retailing at Ksh7,499 per unit, are available at all Safaricom branches and Jamii Telecom shops nationwide.

He highlighted the increasing market demand, suggesting the initiative’s potential for significant success.

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