Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology Industrial Park (JKUAT IP) has assembled 3,000 computers that will be deployed to equip 100 digital hubs and Centres of Excellence across Kenya, supporting the Government’s Digital Superhighway initiative and the growth of the creative economy.
The computers form the first tranche of a pilot programme that will see 10,000 locally assembled computers rolled out nationwide.
To assess the progress of the initiative, JKUAT Management, led by Council Chairman Dr. James Onsando and Vice Chancellor Prof. Victoria Wambui Ngumi, hosted a delegation from the Universal Service Advisory Council (USAC), led by its Chairman, Hon. James Ongwae on Thursday August 6, 2026 at JKUAT main campus Juja.
Hon. Ongwae was accompanied by senior officials from the project’s implementing partners, the Konza Technopolis and the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA), as well as members of the Universal Service Advisory Council (USAC). USAC serves as the advisory body to the Communications Authority on matters relating to the administration and utilization of the Universal Service Fund (USF).
According to Hon. Ongwae, the initiative is funded through the Universal Service Fund, which is financed by annual levies collected from licensed telecommunications operators. The Fund supports projects that expand access to ICT infrastructure and digital services, particularly in underserved and unserved areas, thereby advancing Kenya’s digital inclusion agenda and the Government’s Digital Superhighway programme.
During the discussions, JKUAT Council Chairman Dr. Onsando expressed the University’s appreciation for the partnership, noting that initiatives such as the Digital Hubs project are accelerating the Government’s digital transformation agenda by expanding access to technology and strengthening e-governance.
“Increased access to digital infrastructure enables more efficient delivery of public services, including virtual meetings for public institutions, boards and councils, resulting in improved service delivery and prudent utilization of public resources,” said Dr. Onsando.
Dr. Onsando added that the University is pursuing commercialization as a key pillar of its sustainability strategy and is keen to forge more strategic partnerships that will expand local ICT assembly and manufacturing capacity, while positioning JKUAT Industrial Park to serve regional markets.
Speaking during the visit, Prof. Ngumi expressed pride in the achievements of the JKUAT Industrial Park (JKUAT IP) under the leadership of its Managing Director, Prof. Kibet Langat, noting that the facility has steadily built a strong track record in supporting Kenya’s digital transformation agenda.
She highlighted the Industrial Park’s contribution to the Government’s Digital Literacy Programme through the assembly of laptops for primary schools, as well as the production of digital devices used during Kenya’s most recent national population and housing census.
Prof. Ngumi noted that beyond producing ICT equipment, the Industrial Park has created employment opportunities for young people by engaging them across the production line, while nurturing practical skills in electronics assembly and manufacturing.
She expressed optimism that the success of the current initiative would pave the way for further partnerships in the local assembly and production of ICT equipment, strengthening Kenya’s manufacturing capacity while advancing the country’s digital transformation agenda.
Drawing from previous experiences, JKUAT IP has established support mechanisms, including a dedicated call centre, to enable beneficiaries to report challenges, receive technical assistance and facilitate timely troubleshooting of any issues arising from the use of the equipment.
