Senate Slams ICT Ministry Over Delays in Delivering Critical Mobile Coverage to Marginalised Counties

Nairobi, Kenya – The Senate ICT Committee has taken the Ministry of Information, Communications and the Digital Economy to task over what it termed as an “unacceptable delay” in rolling out communication towers meant to connect Kenya’s underserved and marginalised regions—despite billions already allocated through the Universal Service Fund (USF).

At the center of the grilling was Turkana County, where senators say poor mobile network coverage continues to endanger lives, hamper emergency response, and isolate communities from essential public services.

“We are losing lives in Turkana because ambulances can’t be reached, residents can’t report attacks, and children can’t access digital learning,” said a visibly frustrated committee chair. “The government cannot claim to be serious about inclusion while ignoring these regions.”

The Universal Service Fund, managed by the Communications Authority of Kenya, was established to finance the expansion of ICT services to remote and commercially unviable areas. However, lawmakers expressed concern that despite multiple disbursements, little impact has been felt on the ground.

According to the committee, only a fraction of the planned mobile towers in northern Kenya and other hardship areas have been erected, with the rest stalled due to what the ministry termed as logistical and procurement challenges.

Widening the Digital Divide

The delay is not just a technical issue—it’s one with far-reaching consequences. From hindering e-learning and e-health initiatives to undermining national security coordination in border zones, the lack of reliable communication is exacerbating inequality and leaving entire populations behind.

Several senators demanded a comprehensive status report on the deployment of towers, clarity on fund usage, and a revised timeline for full coverage roll-out in affected counties.

“This is not a luxury—it’s a necessity,” said one senator from the Rift Valley. “If Nairobians enjoy 5G while some Kenyans still climb hills to make a call, then we are failing the Constitution.”

The Ministry pledged to fast-track the remaining installations and promised increased transparency in how USF projects are planned and executed.

But for the people of Turkana and other underserved counties, the wait continues—and with it, the daily risks of being disconnected in a country that prides itself on being a continental tech leader.