This archive report was first published on 9 July 2020.
On July 9, 2020, Cabinet Secretary for ICT, Innovation and Youth Joe Mucheru directed the Communication Authority to review internet accessibility devices to enable Kenyans do e-business using the expanded internet accessibility.
Speaking at Radad in Baringo County, Mucheru called on the Communication Authority Director-General Mercy Wanjau to find ways of lowering internet access devices so that Kenyans can utilize the internet from the newly launched Google Loon balloon technology.
He also urged Telkom Kenya to roll out their 4G network across the country to ease accessibility and deploy the full utilization of the new technology.
“The technology was started about ten years ago as Google X and was used mainly for emergencies such as floods and hurricanes, but we will be the first country to commercialise its use,” said the CS.
According to Mucheru, the technology is transformative and will change the way Kenya develops and grows. He added that the 4G network accessibility will enable farmers to sell their products online, citing Baringo's main economic activities as livestock and bee keeping.
The CS pointed out that his ministry will use the universal services to ensure there is internet connectivity and that the only challenge was how to ensure affordability and availability of access devices.
While assuring that the balloons will be safe as they are solar-powered and high in the sky, the CS said the technology will enable remote accessibility across the country.
