Speaking during a meeting with African ministers of ICT at the Africa Connect Summit 2026 held at State House Nairobi, the President said Africa must urgently invest in connectivity infrastructure and digital systems that link its 1.5 billion people into a single, integrated digital economy.
Ruto noted that Kenya is already taking a leading role in the continent’s digitisation and digitalisation agenda, pointing to major investments in broadband infrastructure, government service automation, and digital skills development.
He revealed that Kenya has set an ambitious target of expanding its fibre optic broadband network by 100,000 kilometres, with significant progress already made through the use of the national electricity grid to lay fibre infrastructure.
So far, 34,000 kilometres of fibre optic cable have been installed, significantly improving internet connectivity across the country.
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At the same time, the government has rolled out 1,450 digital hubs across all wards in Kenya, aimed at increasing access to digital services, supporting youth innovation, and promoting digital entrepreneurship at the grassroots level.
The hubs are expected to play a key role in bridging the digital divide between urban and rural areas.
The President also highlighted Kenya’s rapid progress in digitising public services, noting that close to 30,000 government services are now available online, a sharp increase from just 320 services three years ago.
He said the shift has improved efficiency in service delivery, reduced bureaucracy and human interaction, and enhanced revenue collection for the government.
Ruto said the digital transformation agenda is not only about technology but also about creating opportunities for young people and positioning Africa as a competitive player in the global digital economy.
He emphasized the need for harmonised policies, investment in ICT training, and stronger regional cooperation to achieve a truly connected continent.
The visiting ICT ministers lauded Kenya’s progress in digital infrastructure and governance, describing it as a model that other African countries can learn from as they accelerate their own digital transformation strategies.
The Africa Connect Summit 2026 is expected to produce key resolutions aimed at strengthening digital integration across Africa, including improved connectivity, regulatory alignment and expanded access to digital services for citizens and businesses across the continent.
