I Asked AI: What Kenya’s Digital Economy CS Kabogo Should Prioritize Over Politics

William Kabogo Gitau, the recently appointed Cabinet Secretary (CS) of Kenya’s Ministry of Information, Communications & The Digital Economy, should bring a wealth of experience as former Kiambu Governor and leader of the Tujibebe Wakenya Party. However, while his political acumen is undeniable, Kabogo’s new role demands a shift from politicking to actionable strategies that align with Kenya’s digital transformation goals.

I asked the newly announced DeepSeek AI to outline critical focus areas he could focus on to advance Kenya’s socio-economic progress.

1. Accelerating Digital Infrastructure Expansion

Kenya’s digital economy relies on robust infrastructure. Despite progress in urban centers, rural areas lag in connectivity. Kabogo must prioritize expanding the National Optic Fibre Backbone Initiative (NOFBI) to underserved regions. Partnering with private sector players like Safaricom and Telkom Kenya can bridge this gap, fostering inclusive growth and supporting sectors like e-commerce and telemedicine.

Also making sure these Telcos don’t frustrate new technologies like Starlink and other emerging satellite companies could go a long way.

2. Enhancing Affordable Internet Access

According to the Communications Authority of Kenya (CAK), internet penetration stands at 53% (2023), yet high costs hinder wider adoption. Kabogo should advocate for policies reducing data tariffs and incentivizing ISPs to offer low-cost packages. Learning from models like Rwanda’s Digital Ambassadors program could help Kenya achieve its 95% internet coverage target by 2030.

3. Boosting Digital Literacy Nationwide

The government’s Digital Literacy Programme has barely equipped schools with devices, this and adult literacy remain a challenge. Kabogo can launch community-driven training hubs and collaborate with NGOs to teach skills like online banking and e-government services, empowering citizens to participate in the digital economy while equipping more schools with new tech.

4. Strengthening Cybersecurity Frameworks

Cyber threats cost Kenya Ksh 29.5 billion annually (Serianu Report, 2022). Kabogo must enforce the Data Protection Act (2019) and establish a national cybersecurity task force. Public awareness campaigns on phishing and fraud can safeguard users, while partnerships with firms like Kaspersky can enhance threat detection.

5. Fostering Innovation and Startups

Kenya’s “Silicon Savannah” thrives on startups like M-Pesa. Kabogo should streamline funding access and revise restrictive policies, ensuring startups thrive. Incubation hubs in counties can decentralize opportunities, reducing youth unemployment.

6. Balancing Media Freedom and Regulation

Recent tensions between the media and the state highlight the need for balanced regulation. Kabogo should advocate for laws protecting journalists while combating misinformation. Revisiting the ICT Policy to include stakeholder input can rebuild trust and ensure press independence.

7. Expanding E-Government Services

Digitizing services at Huduma Centres has reduced bureaucracy, but delays persist. Kabogo can integrate AI chatbots for real-time assistance and blockchain for transparent registries, aligning with the government’s stalled Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda.

8. Leveraging Tech for Climate Action

Kenya’s tech infrastructure must adopt renewable energy to meet its 100% green energy goal by 2030. Kabogo can incentivize solar-powered data centers and support agritech innovations to combat climate challenges.

9. Improving Public Communication

Transparent communication builds public trust. Kabogo should utilize social media and town halls to explain policies like the Digital Superhighway Project, ensuring citizens understand their benefits instead of talking about Mulima all the time.

10. Engaging Youth in the Digital Economy

With 75% of Kenya’s population under 35, Kabogo must expand digital skills programs through TVET institutions and partnerships, creating job-ready graduates for the global tech market.

Kabogo’s dual role as CS and party leader risks diluting his focus. What Kenya needs is non-partisan leadership to accelerate progress. Prioritizing governance over politics will solidify his legacy as a transformative CS.


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