By Joshua Oching | February 21, 2026
The Senate Standing Committee on Information, Communication and Technology (ICT) on Thursday reviewed the Budget Policy Statement (BPS) for the 2026/27 financial year and the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework for 2026/27–2028/29 during a sitting held at Parliament of Kenya, Bunge Towers.
The committee, chaired by Vice Chair Miraj Abdillahi, received a detailed briefing from the Senate Budget Office, which outlined the government’s fiscal priorities for the ICT sector under the 2026/27 BPS.
According to the briefing, the proposed budget places emphasis on strengthening digital infrastructure, enhancing e-government services, and supporting innovation-driven growth as part of Kenya’s broader digital transformation agenda.
Committee members acknowledged the central role of the ICT sector in driving the country’s digital economy through investments in connectivity infrastructure, cybersecurity, e-government services, and digital skills development. However, they raised concerns over whether the proposed allocations are sufficient to sustain ongoing programmes and expand access to underserved and marginalised regions.
Members further stressed the need for closer alignment between policy ambitions and budgetary provisions, noting that adequate funding will be critical to achieving universal connectivity, secure digital platforms, and a vibrant innovation ecosystem.
While recognising progress made in expanding broadband connectivity, digitising government services, and strengthening cybersecurity frameworks, the committee observed that gaps persist in last-mile connectivity, affordability of internet services, and capacity building in emerging technologies.
The legislators also underscored the importance of supporting county governments through enhanced digital integration and capacity development to ensure equitable access to ICT services across the country.
In the same sitting, the committee received submissions from officials of the Nuclear Power and Energy Agency on the Electronic Equipment Disposal, Recycling and Reuse Bill, 2025.
The agency highlighted the need for a clear regulatory framework for electronic waste management, improved inter-agency coordination, and safeguards to ensure environmentally sound disposal, recycling, and reuse of electronic equipment.
