Senate ICT Committee reviews 2026 budget policy statement

Senate ICT Committee reviews 2026 budget policy statement

Parliament of Kenya, Bunge Towers
Thursday, 19th February, 2026

The Senate Standing Committee on Information, Communication and Technology (ICT), chaired by Vice Chair Miraj Abdillahi, today received a comprehensive briefing from the Senate Budget Office on the Budget Policy Statement (BPS) for the Financial Year 2026/27 and the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (2026/27–2028/29).
The briefing outlined the Government’s fiscal priorities for the ICT sector under the FY 2026/27 BPS, highlighting planned investments aimed at strengthening digital infrastructure, enhancing e-government services, and supporting innovation-led growth.
The Committee noted that the ICT sector continues to play a pivotal role in driving Kenya’s digital economy through investments in connectivity infrastructure, e-government services, cybersecurity, and digital skills development. However, Members raised concerns over whether the proposed allocations are sufficient to sustain ongoing digital transformation programmes and expand access to underserved regions.
During the session, Members emphasized the need for stronger alignment between policy ambitions and budgetary provisions, noting that adequate resourcing will be critical to achieving universal connectivity, secure digital platforms, and a vibrant innovation ecosystem.
The Committee observed that while the Government has made progress in expanding broadband connectivity, digitizing government services, and strengthening cybersecurity frameworks, gaps remain in last-mile connectivity, affordability of internet services, and capacity building in emerging technologies.
Members further underscored the importance of supporting county governments through enhanced digital integration and capacity development to ensure equitable access to ICT services.
In the same sitting, the Committee also received submissions from representatives of the Chief Executive Office of the Nuclear Power and Energy Agency on the Electronic Equipment Disposal, Recycling and Reuse Bill, 2025 (Senate Bills No. 5 of 2025).
The Agency outlined its views on the proposed legislative framework governing electronic waste management, emphasizing the need for clear regulatory standards, strengthened inter-agency coordination, and safeguards to ensure environmentally sound disposal and recycling of electronic equipment.