Kabogo: Kenya must make internet access as essential as water and electricity

Kenya's Cabinet Secretary for Information, Communications and the Digital Economy, William Kabogo, has urged the nation to treat internet connectivity as an essential service, comparable to water and electricity. In an interview with Kameme FM on Monday, August 17, 2026, Kabogo emphasized the need to ensure that every part of the country is connected, rather than focusing exclusively on the cost of spectrum licensing.

"The question we should be asking is whether we have connected the entire country," Kabogo stated. He argued that policies governing spectrum and licensing should be evaluated based on their impact on mobile connectivity. Kabogo highlighted that the exorbitant cost of spectrum could hinder efforts to expand internet access, particularly for underserved communities that cannot afford reliable connectivity.

He added, "If licensing the spectrum, which is the most expensive in the world, lowers mobile connectivity, we are trying to make sure that we lower connectivity in Africa so that those who are unable to access the internet can be able to." Kabogo called for a shift in focus towards universal and affordable internet access, viewing digital connectivity as critical to economic and social development.

He asserted that internet connections should be treated as essential services and critical government infrastructure. Kabogo's remarks come in the context of ongoing discussions on spectrum pricing, licensing reforms, and strategies to bridge Kenya's digital divide. While Kenya has made significant progress in mobile network coverage, connectivity gaps persist, especially regarding affordability, usage, and access in underserved communities.

The Communications Authority has identified community networks and shared-spectrum approaches as potential methods to extend affordable internet access to underserved areas. Kabogo's proposal positions internet access at the forefront of the country's infrastructure priorities, suggesting that digital connectivity should be regarded as a vital component of national infrastructure and public service delivery.