The government has stepped up the rollout of a free WiFi countrywide initiative with the launch of internet hotspots at Wakulima market, in Muthurwa, Nairobi.

ICT Cabinet Secretary Eliud Owalo unveiled the hotspot on Tuesday, December 13, one month after he launched the pilot hotspot at City Market in the Nairobi central business district.

The government plans to set up 25 000 hotspots across the country.

Speaking during the launch at Wakulima market, CS Owalo said the free internet hotspot is a game-changer that will help traders grow their businesses.

He said the countywide launch of hotspots is geared toward Kenya’s digital transformation.

“As a government, we have a plan to launch 25,000 such hotspots to bring Internet to the villages. Next week we shall be in Kiambu. This is because we have many of our youth who have finished school and have no jobs or businesses.

“The days of donning ties and sitting in offices are over; what we have are technology-driven jobs where you use your brains and phone or laptop to get paid,” Owalo said, adding that with free internet, traders can market their products online.