By Richard Kabaraji
A section of locals of Trans Nzoia have complained over what they claim is a move by the County ICT Department to limit access of the recently installed free government WiFi broadband.
The locals who spoke to Uasin Gishu News say that the WiFi hotspots were working well during the installation phase but failed after the launch.
“We were enjoying the services of free WiFi one week during the test drive but after official launch, it has remained as flowers. It does not work anymore,” noted Amos Majimbo, a boda boda chairperson at Sikhendu market which is one of the areas the WiFi hotspots were installed in the county.
Others are on Kiminini Market and Kitale Main Bus Stage.
ICT Cabinet Secretary Eliud Owalo and his Health counterpart Susan Wafula launched the WiFi hotspots a few months ago.
“These hotspots were much hyped by the government but two months down the line nothing is happening forcing us to incur huge amount of money on data bundles,” lamented Isaac wekesa a Kiminini resident.
Improve strength and coverage
Further, the locals have wondered why the government teased them with free WiFi only to leave them halfway.
“I was using atululu phone but with the installation of the hotspot I bought a smart phone to enjoy the services only for the fiesta to be cut short after the launch. How we wish it was not launched,” wondered Edwin Murenga, one of the free Gok wiFi beneficiary.
The locals now want the WiFi to have unlimited access.
They have also called on the ICT Authority to improve on the network and strengthen its coverage.
“We want the network to reach to our villages and not just within the market areas. The strength should also be enhanced since we are forced to clutter below the posts when it shows sign of weak network,” said Mary Nelima, a mama mboga at Kiminini market.
The Government has been setting up free WiFi hotspots in strategic areas across the country in an effort to enhance access to internet and enhance digital economy.
