Kenya Moves to Boost Digital Inclusion Through Locally Assembled Devices

The Universal Service Advisory Council (USAC) , led by Chairperson Hon. James Ongwae, has visited the Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT)  Device Assembly Plant as part of efforts to advance digital inclusion, local innovation and partnerships supporting Kenya’s digital economy.

The visit, organised as part of stakeholder engagement efforts, included discussions with JKUAT Vice Chancellor Prof. Victoria Wambui Ngumi, PhD, EBS. The engagements reaffirmed the importance of collaboration between the Universal Service Fund (USF) and academic institutions in expanding access to digital technologies.

During the visit, the Council highlighted progress at the JKUAT Device Assembly Plant in the local assembly of digital devices. The locally assembled devices are expected to support the rollout of Digital Hubs across Kenya, helping expand access to digital services and infrastructure in underserved communities.

The initiative is aimed at making digital technologies more affordable and accessible while equipping communities with the tools needed to participate in Kenya’s growing digital economy. According to the Communications Authority of Kenya, the effort aligns with the USF’s broader mission of promoting meaningful universal access to communication services.

The visit also underscored the importance of sustained cooperation between government, academia and industry in driving digital inclusion. Such partnerships are expected to strengthen local innovation, support technology development and contribute to Kenya’s ambition of building a more inclusive and thriving digital economy.