Digital Superhighway & Creative Economy Get $98M

We trust in (not-so-spotty) wi-fi with the government’s significant allocation of Ksh 12.7 billion ($98.2 million) to the Digital Superhighway and Creative Economy in the 2025/26 national budget. In a move reinforcing the government’s vision of a digitally empowered state, the famed Digital Superhighway is Kenya’s plan to connect us all to fast, reliable internet and digital services.

The idea is to build more fibre optic cables, set up internet hubs everywhere, and make government services like applying for IDs or paying taxes available online. It brims with support for data centres, as is seen in Konza—digital training programmes, and an avalanche of tools propping up youthful endeavours such as employment and online businesses.

This digital-first approach aims to enhance internet access, expand digital infrastructure, and generate new job opportunities, especially for the youth, through creative industries. It is an indicator that the government is prioritising digital connectivity not as a luxury, but as a strategic economic enabler.

A Breakdown Of The Key Allocations

Here’s how the Ksh 12.7 billion will be distributed across strategic initiatives:

• Ksh 3.7 billion: Kenya Digital Economy Acceleration Project – Expanding access to broadband, e-services, and digital literacy nationwide.
• Ksh 3.1 billion: Konza Data Centre and Smart City Facilities – Powering the vision for a Silicon Savannah at Konza Technopolis.
• Ksh 2.3 billion: The construction of the Kenya Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) at Konza – Developing high-calibre tech talent through a STEM-focused university.
• Ksh 1.4 billion: Digital Superhighway, Government Shared Services & Digital Hubs – Connecting underserved regions while streamlining e-government services.
• Ksh 1.0 billion: Maintenance and Rehabilitation of Connectivity Networks – To ensure infrastructure resilience and network reliability.
• Ksh 0.7 billion: e-Government Procurement Platform – To improve transparency and efficiency in public sector procurement.

The Rather Amorphous Potential Of The Creative Economy

Though not explicitly broken down in the budget, the creative economy remains an inspiration. It is hoped that with the expansion of digital hubs and broadband access, the creative sector—from content creators and filmmakers to designers and digital artists— will be poised to benefit from new infrastructure, tools, and access to local and global markets. This investment should be seen through the lens of a creative workforce which plays a critical role in reducing youth unemployment and nurturing innovation.

The digital superhighway and creative economy are seen as vehicles for inclusion, innovation, and job creation, laying the groundwork for everything from e-health and digital education to smart agriculture and remote work.

With billions committed to these, attention now turns to implementation.