Kenya’s lawmakers are ramping up oversight of the Ministry of Information, Communication, and the Digital Economy, citing stalled projects, delayed legislation, and poor implementation as major obstacles slowing the country’s digital transformation.

The National Assembly’s Committee on Communication, Information and Innovation held an intensive oversight meeting, scrutinising how allocated funds are being spent and emphasising that every shilling must deliver tangible benefits to citizens.

Committee Chairperson John Kiarie set the tone, stressing the need for a sector that serves every Kenyan. Highlighting the challenges in connectivity and legislative delays.

“While challenges remain, from delayed legislation to poor connectivity, our goal is to build a sector that is accountable, inclusive, and innovative, one where every citizen can access services and opportunities with ease,” he said

Members of the committee pressed the ministry to provide clarity on expenditure versus results, warning that poorly implemented projects waste resources and deny Kenyans access to vital services. They specifically questioned why critical bills, including the ICT Authority Bill and the National Addressing Bill, remain pending despite allocated funds.

Kiarie emphasised that budgets must produce real change for citizens and that inefficiency cannot be tolerated.

“Our responsibility is to ensure every shilling allocated to this sector transforms lives. We will not allow inefficiency or neglect to hold back Kenya’s digital future,” he said

The committee also examined the performance of agencies under the ministry. MPs raised concerns about the Communications Authority of Kenya, noting the slow rollout of programs and the discontinuation of child online protection campaigns as examples of poor prioritisation of resources.

On infrastructure, lawmakers reviewed the billions allocated to fibre rollout, noting that Kenya Power outages have caused interruptions, and called for stronger inter-agency coordination to ensure continuity. Projects like Konza Technopolis are set to resume on September 15 following agreements with contractors and the Communications Authority.

ICT hubs across the country were another area of focus. Despite allocated funds, many hubs remain without devices or internet connectivity, leaving students and communities unable to access digital services. Connectivity in prisons was also highlighted, with MPs noting that detainees lack basic ICT equipment even as courts shift to virtual hearings. Agencies assured the committee that plans for improved connectivity are underway.

State corporations facing financial distress, including Kenya Broadcasting Corporation and Posta Kenya, were also scrutinised. Lawmakers emphasised that allocations must lead to tangible results and that stalled projects, weak oversight, and delayed legislation hinder the digital sector’s growth.