Kenya seeks digital prosperity with Italy's expertise
Kenya
,
11 Mar 2025
Kenya is set to strengthen its digital economy with the help of Italy's expertise in telecoms and digital infrastructure as it strives to become a regional ICT hub.
A critical meeting yesterday between Engineer John Tanui, the country's principal secretary for ICT and Digital Economy, and Pietro Piccinetti, CEO of Infratel Italia, a public business under Italy's Ministry of Economic Development, has opened the way for Kenya's digital economy to grow even faster.
Tanui commended Italy's leadership in bridging the digital gap, highlighting how Infratel's projects have connected underserved regions and boosted economic development.
“Italy has made significant strides in digital infrastructure, particularly through advanced fibre-optic and mobile networks,” he said.
Founded in 2003, Infratel Italia has been pivotal in expanding Italy’s broadband network, particularly in rural areas where market forces have been inadequate.
Central to the discussion yesterday was Infratel’s flagship initiative, which aims to provide all residential and business units in Italy with at least 1 gigabit fixed-line internet by 2026.
“Infratel’s efforts to ensure that no one is left behind in the digital revolution are something we hope to replicate in Kenya,” said Tanui.
Tanui stressed that Kenya is keen to leverage Infratel’s transformative work, which spans critical sectors like telemedicine, education, and public safety.
Through these projects, Italy has connected hospitals, schools, highways, and remote regions.
“The positive impact of these initiatives in Italy is clear, and Kenya can learn a great deal from them as we work towards enhancing our own digital infrastructure,” he said.
He highlighted that Kenya’s ambitious plan to expand its fibre-optic network, spanning 100,000 km, aligns closely with the Italians’ expertise.
"This collaboration is not only about expanding our infrastructure, but also about fostering economic growth, innovation, and stronger bilateral ties between Kenya and Italy," said Tanui.