ICT Ministry Seeks Sh9.3bn to Bridge Funding Gap as Digital Superhighway Faces Setbacks

Kenya’s flagship Digital Superhighway Programme and the rollout of Konza Technopolis face renewed uncertainty after the Ministry of Information, Communications, and the Digital Economy disclosed a multi-billion-shilling funding shortfall that could slow down key national digital infrastructure projects.

The concerns emerged during budget estimates sessions before the National Assembly Departmental Committee on Communication, Information and Innovation, chaired by Hon. John Kiarie (Dagoretti South), where government ministries, departments, and agencies defended their priorities for the 2026/2027 financial year.

Appearing before the Committee, Cabinet Secretary William Kabogo said the ministry was seeking an additional Sh9.3 billion to address budget deficits affecting critical ICT programmes, warning that underfunding could slow Kenya’s digital transformation agenda.

“We are building the backbone of Kenya’s digital future, and these investments are no longer optional,” Kabogo said, adding that adequate funding would unlock opportunities for innovation, jobs, and improved public services.

Principal Secretary Eng. John Kipchumba Tanui noted that despite what he termed “realistic and strategic requests,” several flagship projects remained underfunded. He cited artificial intelligence development, modernization of the Kenya News Agency, and the establishment of a National Cybersecurity Centre as urgent priorities.

“We have put in our best requests and wishes… let’s ensure we support these key departments that will help government communication,” Tanui told lawmakers.

His counterpart, Principal Secretary Stephen Motari Isaboke, also appeared before the Committee alongside senior officials, as the ministry defended its spending plans and ongoing digital rollout strategies.

The Committee, chaired by Hon. John Kiarie, said it would scrutinize the proposals to balance fiscal constraints with national development needs. “Digital transformation is now at the heart of governance, education, trade and innovation,” Kiarie said.

The session also highlighted funding pressures at the Konza Technopolis Development Authority, which reported a Sh362 million shortfall, including Sh200 million needed for Phase I maintenance works at the Konza Technopolis smart city project.

Separately, the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner warned that a Sh24 million budget deviation could delay preparations for the 2027 Global Privacy Assembly and slow the expansion of regional offices in Meru, Kakamega, Kisii, Kitale, Isiolo, and Garissa.

The developments come at a time when Kenya is accelerating its digital economy agenda, following recent regional engagements such as the Africa Tech Policy Summit and continued expansion of ICT infrastructure projects under the broader government transformation plan.

Parliamentarians are expected to conclude budget hearings in the coming weeks before final allocations are made for the next financial year.