MPs push for accountability and budget discipline to benefit Kenyans

Members of Parliament, (MPs) have emphasized that Kenyans must benefit fully from the digital economy through timely reforms, accountability, and prudent use of public resources.

The National Assembly’s Committee on Communication, Information and Innovation had concluded an intensive oversight meeting with the Ministry of Information, Communication and the Digital Economy, scrutinizing budget implementation, stalled projects, and policy gaps slowing down Kenya’s digital transformation.

Committee Chairperson John Kiarie stressed the urgency of bridging digital gaps across the country. “While challenges remain, from delayed legislation to poor connectivity, our goal is to build a sector that is accountable, inclusive, and innovative, one where every citizen can access services and opportunities with ease,” he said.

A key focus was how agencies under the Ministry are utilizing their budgets. Members pressed for clarity on expenditure versus results, warning that delayed legislation and weak implementation drain resources without delivering value.

Kiarie questioned why critical bills, including the ICT Authority Bill and the National Addressing Bill, remain pending despite budget allocations.

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Concerns were also raised over the Communications Authority of Kenya’s slow rollout of programs and its decision to discontinue child online protection campaigns, which members cited as poor prioritization of resources.

On infrastructure, legislators examined the billions allocated to fiber rollout, citing persistent interruptions linked to Kenya Power outages. They called for stronger inter-agency coordination to avoid waste and ensure continuity of projects such as Konza Technopolis, which is set to resume works on September 15 following agreements with contractors and Communications Authority of Kenya.

Budget delays in ICT hubs across the country also came under scrutiny Joseph Tonui noted that while funds had been allocated, many hubs remain without devices or internet connectivity.

On infrastructure, legislators examined the billions allocated to fiber rollout, citing persistent interruptions linked to Kenya Power outages.

They called for stronger inter-agency coordination to avoid waste and ensure continuity of projects such as Konza Technopolis, which is set to resume works on September 15 following agreements with contractors and Communications Authority of Kenya.

By Our Reporter

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