Free Wi-Fi transforms Wajir’s Wagalla village as internet access reaches remote areas
Wagalla village, located 15 kilometres west of Wajir town, is now enjoying free Wi-Fi access thanks to a government initiative aimed at bridging the digital divide and enhancing internet connectivity in underserved areas.
Senior Chief Ali Mohamed, who led the local celebrations marking the installation, described the moment as a dream come true for the community.
"Many could not believe when news came that Wagalla village was among the villages selected in Kenya to be piloted on connectivity for all, targeting internet access to remote areas, until the Information Communication and Technology (ICT) department made it a reality," he said.
Chief Mohamed noted that the free internet will empower unemployed youth by enabling them to apply for online jobs and engage in digital content creation. He also emphasised the security benefits of the project, as residents can now make free calls to security officers in case of emergencies.
He added that the mostly pastoralist community will now be able to learn about digital payment systems and access other government services through the e-Citizen platform.
Halima Bishar, the chairperson of the village’s rangeland management committee, said the initiative would lead to significant savings for households previously spending heavily on data.
"I used to spend Sh3,000 monthly after buying a daily Sh100 data. A household of ten family members in the village can save Sh30,000 a month," she estimated.
A section of Wagalla village, which is situated 15 kilometres west of Wajir town. (Photo: Issa Hussein)
Win for the youth
Ismail Hassan, a local youth leader, hailed the move as a major win for the youth, who can now access online jobs and courses. He urged them to make good use of the opportunity.
"The free internet was installed purposely to foster economic growth. Let’s utilise this opportunity to save money and access the free Wi-Fi to establish businesses and enjoy online courses and jobs," he encouraged.
Roble Mohamed, an unemployed youth and TikToker in Wagalla, expressed optimism that the free internet would help him grow his online presence.
"It will boost my content creation, initially hindered by financial constraints. I will create more content to have large followers," he said.
According to Liquid Intelligent Technologies Kenya, which is working with the government to deploy free Wi-Fi in underserved areas, Kenya is one of only three African countries with a national initiative to extend internet access to remote regions.
The company noted that internet connectivity is considered a key driver of Kenya’s economic growth, with the business process outsourcing (BPO) sector creating at least 1,000 jobs each month since 2013, according to the ICT Authority.
The ICT Ministry is currently establishing 1,450 digital hubs across villages and installing 25,000 Wi-Fi hotspots nationwide, intending to have at least two in every county.
Senior Chief Ali Mohamed, who led the local celebrations marking the installation, described the moment as a dream come true for the community.
"Many could not believe when news came that Wagalla village was among the villages selected in Kenya to be piloted on connectivity for all, targeting internet access to remote areas, until the Information Communication and Technology (ICT) department made it a reality," he said.
Chief Mohamed noted that the free internet will empower unemployed youth by enabling them to apply for online jobs and engage in digital content creation. He also emphasised the security benefits of the project, as residents can now make free calls to security officers in case of emergencies.
He added that the mostly pastoralist community will now be able to learn about digital payment systems and access other government services through the e-Citizen platform.
Halima Bishar, the chairperson of the village’s rangeland management committee, said the initiative would lead to significant savings for households previously spending heavily on data.
"I used to spend Sh3,000 monthly after buying a daily Sh100 data. A household of ten family members in the village can save Sh30,000 a month," she estimated.
A section of Wagalla village, which is situated 15 kilometres west of Wajir town. (Photo: Issa Hussein)Win for the youth
Ismail Hassan, a local youth leader, hailed the move as a major win for the youth, who can now access online jobs and courses. He urged them to make good use of the opportunity.
"The free internet was installed purposely to foster economic growth. Let’s utilise this opportunity to save money and access the free Wi-Fi to establish businesses and enjoy online courses and jobs," he encouraged.
Roble Mohamed, an unemployed youth and TikToker in Wagalla, expressed optimism that the free internet would help him grow his online presence.
"It will boost my content creation, initially hindered by financial constraints. I will create more content to have large followers," he said.
According to Liquid Intelligent Technologies Kenya, which is working with the government to deploy free Wi-Fi in underserved areas, Kenya is one of only three African countries with a national initiative to extend internet access to remote regions.
The company noted that internet connectivity is considered a key driver of Kenya’s economic growth, with the business process outsourcing (BPO) sector creating at least 1,000 jobs each month since 2013, according to the ICT Authority.
The ICT Ministry is currently establishing 1,450 digital hubs across villages and installing 25,000 Wi-Fi hotspots nationwide, intending to have at least two in every county.
Wajir
Internet access
ICT
Wagalla village
Wajir free Wi-Fi
digital divide
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