Dennis Itumbi: 4 more Counties to be connected to free WI-FI

Residents of four Kenya counties namely; Elgeyo Marakwet, Embu, Meru and Machakos are set to benefit from free Wi-Fi connection, courtesy of the government.

This was announced by State House Digital Director, Dennis Itumbi, during the opening of nominations phase of the OLX Soma awards 2015, at the Serena hotel Nairobi.

“We are going to Elgeyo Marakwet, so Elgeyo Marakwet here we come, Embu we are coming Meru we are definitely coming with free Wi-Fi and finally Machakos, the place to be, we are coming with free Wi-Fi.” Mr. Itumbi said.

This announcement comes a year after Nakuru Residents were connected to free Wi-Fi, courtesy of the State House Digital Team’s partnership with Nakuru County government. Where the project is estimated to have cost a total of Shs.200 million and is also as a result of a partnership between the government and Infonet Africa.

The initial phase of the project in Nakuru was expected to cover a radius of up to 10Km around the town before it is rolled out to other areas in the county. Dennis Itumbi also spoke during the launch in Nakuru.

“Jubilee pledged to connect five towns to free Wi-Fi. The journey to keep the promise has just began,”said Itumbi.

The State House Digital Team also pledged to design and  deliver  a website and Android App in the new future.

“We are committed to ensure Kenyans, particularly the youth are connected,” Itumbi said.

With an estimated  population of 1,603,325, Nakuru County is  the fourth largest county in Kenya after Nairobi, Kakamega and Kiambu and a great tourist destination showcasing most of the therefore the free Wi-Fi roll out could as well be a boost to the tourism sector.

Nakuru Governor Kinuthia Mbugua said the county would use the resources to connect farmers to the internet and improve research in institutions of highrt learning.

“We are ready to ensure that our people benefit from connectivity, we are certain we will transform the democratic space and open up opportunities.”The governor said at the launch.

The State House Digital Team is credited for championing the use of new media for official government communication since its formation last year.

State House has occasionally made major announcements through social media, including President Kenyatta’s official twitter account which is largely relied by the media and Kenyans in getting information.