The Ministry of Information, Communication, and Technology (ICT) unveiled free WiFi at Nairobi’s City Market on Wednesday, November 9, to boost e-commerce.
Eliud Owalo, the ICT Cabinet Secretary, highlighted that the free public WiFi will be strong enough to handle transactions inside the market and a few meters around it.
He also revealed that the Ministry of ICT plans to provide free WiFi in almost every location, including hotels, restaurants, coffee shops, libraries, and airports.
“We want to leverage our country by use of technology to transform people’s lives through easy access to free internet,” Owalo said
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It was noticed that using these free Wi-Fi hotspots is really simple and convenient for consumers who don’t have enough money to invest in data bundles.
To ensure the best use of the ICT resources, the CS announced the establishment of a digital skills training program. The free Wi-Fi project targeting 85 wards, will also be implemented in the Muthurwa market, the National Archives, and GPO in Nairobi’s Central Business District. As part of the project, Kariobangi, Kangundo, and Donholm will also receive free internet access.
ICT Authority of Kenya Board of Directors Chairman Prof. Fredrick Owino advised traders at the City Market to take advantage of the chance and link with global markets in his remarks during the launch of the free public WiFi service.
“Now you have a chance to contact buyers and sellers in other parts of the world, right from the comfort of your phone,” Owino said.
The market’s traders complained about crowding and demanded an expansion of the market. Additionally, they argued that parking taxes near the market should be eliminated because they discourage customers from visiting.
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According to the CS, the free Wi-Fi will lower operating expenses for the traders and provide employment opportunities for Kenyans. Kenyans were also guaranteed by ICT Authority CEO Stanley Kamanguya that more free WiFi hotspots would be installed throughout the country.
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