‘Government to bring down cost of phone calls, data’ – Ruto
Written by Inka FM on 21 October 2022
President William Ruto on Thursday, October 20 said the government is intending to bring down the cost of phone calls and data.
Speaking during this year’s Mashujaa Day, the President said the new move will enable more Kenyans, especially the youth to engage in the digital economy.
“Moreover, to bring more Kenyans, especially the youth online for business, learning, entertainment and socialisation, the government intends to take measures to bring down the cost of calls and data.
“This initiative converges with the efforts to boost the creative economy and scale up cultural production and the arts industry,” he said.
The President also said, the government is committed to investing in the digital superhighway and the creative economy, which will be enablers of transformation, productivity, and overall competitiveness.
“Over the next 5 years, the government will ensure universal broadband availability through the roll-out of connectivity throughout the country.
“The laying out of an additional 100,000km of the national fibre-optic network is expected to deliver this target,” he stated.
Government to support youth
He further said Kenya has tremendous potential to become a global leader, employ hundreds of thousands of young people and generate immense wealth if the young people are plugged into the global digital economy.
“Our youth have consistently shown robust interest in this field (digital space) and are engaged on various platforms, generating captivating content that is appreciated globally,” he added.
At the same time, the President said the government is committed to the establishment of more arts and culture infrastructure, including theatres, music auditoriums, and art galleries, and extensive refurbishing of facilities to expand spaces for artistic and cultural expression and production.
“The government is also firmly committed to investing in the robust delivery of the five pillars of our plan for socio-economic transformation.
“This investment is undertaken in full recognition of national values and principles of governance as well as broader national interests and goals.
“They include policy, legislative and regulatory framework, national security, justice, law and order, and education,” he stated.
