County governments across Kenya have been urged to streamline and harmonise wayleave approvals and reduce multiple fee structures in a bid to accelerate investments in the information and communication technology (ICT) sector.
Stakeholders in the industry say the current framework is fragmented, often cumbersome, and deters both local and international investors from committing to large-scale ICT infrastructure projects.
The appeal comes amid growing demand for reliable digital infrastructure as the country positions itself as a regional technology hub. According to private sector representatives and digital economy advocates, some counties continue to impose overlapping charges for right-of-way approvals, site inspections, and construction permits.
These charges, when multiplied across multiple jurisdictions, significantly raise the cost of network deployment, especially for internet service providers and mobile operators seeking to expand connectivity to underserved regions.
Inconsistent regulations between counties also mean that infrastructure rollout is slowed, with contractors often caught in lengthy approval processes that delay project implementation timelines.
In some cases, service providers are forced to reroute fibre networks or delay base station installations due to unresolved wayleave disputes or unclear guidelines.
The national government has emphasised the importance of county-level cooperation in achieving Kenya’s digital transformation agenda.
The ICT sector is considered a critical enabler of the government’s economic priorities, particularly under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda, which includes plans to digitise public services, boost e-commerce, and expand internet access in rural areas.
Industry players are now calling for the establishment of a uniform national framework that sets clear, predictable, and affordable guidelines for wayleave acquisition and infrastructure approvals. Such a move, they argue, would not only improve investor confidence but also reduce the cost of delivering broadband services to millions of Kenyans.
Counties have also been encouraged to view ICT investments as long-term development assets rather than short-term revenue streams.
By creating enabling environments for digital infrastructure, they can attract more private sector participation, create jobs, and spur innovation in critical areas such as education, health, and agriculture.
As Kenya continues to grow its digital economy, reducing regulatory and administrative bottlenecks at the county level may prove pivotal in achieving inclusive and sustainable technological progress.
Written By Ian Maleve
