Trans Nzoia: Plans for the realization of a digital superhighway and creative economy in Trans Nzoia County are on course. This is evident following the handover of the site for the construction of a modern digital center of excellence to the contractor at Cherangany Sub County headquarters.
According to Kenya News Agency, Konza Technopolis Chief Manager Construction, Operations Management Engineer Antony Sang stated that the construction of the digital center is among the steps the government is undertaking to fulfill the creation of a Digital Superhighway and Creative Economy as envisaged in the Bottom-up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA). Eng. Sang noted that the project, once completed, will empower businesses and communities in sectors like education, healthcare, and agriculture through digital connectivity. He emphasized the importance of cooperation from all stakeholders to drive the project to completion.
The project will be executed in phases, with the first phase expected to be completed by the end of the 2024/2025 financial year at a cost of Sh 25 million. In addition, 49 other similar digital centers are planned across the country. Eng. Sang mentioned that after constructing and equipping these centers, the next step will be the installation of digital hubs across all the wards in the country. The government will collaborate closely with local leadership, with Members of County Assemblies playing a significant role.
Director in charge of Planning in the State Department for Broadcasting and Telecommunications, Panuel Ondienga, underscored the need to involve all leaders in the implementation exercise to achieve desired results. Besides job creation and the realization of a digital economy, the digital center of excellence is expected to achieve significant advancements in health, agriculture, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME), and enhance revenue collection through the automation of VAT systems.
The contractor, Timothy Makumi, assured that quality work would be delivered within the specified timelines to ensure the public receives value for the invested funds. He echoed Eng. Sang's emphasis on stakeholder cooperation and promised to rely heavily on local manpower. Assistant County Commissioner Peter Alany, representing the Cherangany Deputy County Commissioner, confirmed the total cooperation and dedication of government departments and local administration towards the success of the project.