The government has rolled out a free public Wi- Fi at Nyeri open market as it steps up a countrywide initiative to launch internet hotspots for traders across the country.
Speaking at the launch of the event in Nyeri town, on Monday, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua said the internet hotspot is a game-changer aimed to help traders grow their businesses through e-commerce. The project is targeting market traders, food suppliers and transporters.
The Nyeri internet hotspot project is part of the countywide planned hotspots that are geared toward President William Ruto’s administration digital transformation.
The Government is prioritizing the internet to the citizens in line with its pledge for universal access in tandem with the Jamhuri day celebrations which were around tech and innovation under the theme: Innovate, inspire and connect.
DP Gachagua said the free internet hotspot will boost trade as he asked traders and entrepreneurs to take advantage of the project as well as the Hustler Fund.
He was accompanied by various government officials led by Cabinet Secretaries Ezekiel Machogu (Education) and Eliud Owalo (ICT), Central Regional Commissioner Esther Maina and the ICT authority chief executive officer Stanley Kamanguya.
Others were Nyeri leaders led by Governor Mutahi Kahiga, his deputy David Warui Kinaniri, senator Wahome Mwangi, Woman Representative Rahab Mukami and Nyeri Town MP Maina Mathenge.
The DP stated that as part of the Kenya Kwanza manifesto pledge to ensure every part of the country has internet access, the Wi-Fi will play a pivotal role in adding more profits to the businesses and also creating job opportunities for the youth.
He added that the government will put up 25,000 hotspots in market centers countrywide so that traders can add more value and create more job opportunities.
The DP also emphasized the Kenya Kwanza administration is honoring the pledges given by President William Ruto to achieve a full digital revolution in the period between 2023 and 2027.
“Every Kenyan will have internet connectivity in the next five years, so as to support the young person struggling with bundles. Every hospital, school dispensary and even market will be connected to the Internet with 25, 000 hotspots being worked on countrywide,” he stated.
The DP also encouraged the youth and entrepreneurs to take advantage of the Hustler Fund by borrowing loans to start and expand businesses. In addition, he asked them to save with the Fund so as to increase their borrowing capacity.
He castigated a section of opposition politicians who are discouraging their following from borrowing the kitty.
“Those smearing the Fund are misleading people and want their followers to remain poor and block economic growth. Take advantage of the Fund and let us ignore them as they have lost directions. We have work to do,” said DP Gachagua.
To stakeholders in the transport and matatu industry, the DP said that the National Transport Services Authority and the Transport licensing Board will soon have representatives from the transport sector.
While asking police to contain insecurity during the holidays, the Deputy President also asked locals to stop engaging in alcoholism.
He urged the police and the national government administration officers in the region to curb the menace and address the grievances of the residents.
Noting that alcohol and substance abuse must be eradicated, Gachagua said the Government will take stern action against the perpetrators and asked the Regional commissioner to take personal charge in fighting the vices.
The DP additionally called on the civil servants and public officers to remain diligent in their work and in execution of their services.
He further stated that the Government has made plans to revive the agricultural sector in Central Kenya targeting coffee, tea, dairy and horticulture sectors.
Agriculture and trade being the economic backbone of the region, the DP said President Ruto’s government, will address the issues surrounding the two economic sectors.