The National Assembly Departmental Committee on Communication, Information, and Innovation on Wednesday met with the State Department for Broadcasting and Telecommunications to review Supplementary Budget proposals for the 2025/2026 financial year.

The State Department team, led by Principal Secretary Stephen Isaboke, briefed the committee on key programmes to strengthen Kenya’s broadcasting, telecommunications, and digital communication ecosystem.

Chaired by Dagoretti South MP John Kiarie — and attended by Vice Chair Alfah Miruka Ondieki and committee members Bernard Kitur, Dr. Gideon Kimaiyo, Florence Jematiah , Mark Nyamita , Joseph Tonui, and Umulkher Harun Mohamed — the meeting focused on priorities for the supplementary budget to support the government’s digital transformation agenda.

Officials outlined ongoing efforts to accelerate the digitisation of government communication systems, including enhancements to digital platforms that improve public access to information and services.

The committee received an update on the automation of operations at the Kenya News Agency (KNA), which officials said will improve efficiency in producing and distributing public information. This process includes developing a modern content management system and integrating it with digital government platforms for faster, more coordinated communication.

Committee members requested an update on the proposed Eldoret media training campus, which aims to expand training in digital communication and media production. Officials highlighted the facility’s role in equipping young people with skills for the evolving digital and creative economy.

The meeting also addressed efforts to strengthen human capacity in the communication sector through training in digital communication, emerging technologies, and artificial intelligence.

Officials noted ongoing plans to recruit digitally skilled youth to support government communication, especially in the fast-changing digital and social media landscape.

The committee was briefed on legislative and policy reforms aimed at aligning Kenya’s communications sector with emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence and digital media.

Members emphasized the need to strengthen the communication infrastructure, support media institutions, and enhance public information systems as Kenya expands its digital and information ecosystem.

The committee will review the supplementary budget proposals before submitting its recommendations to the National Assembly.

The PS was accompanied by CEOs John Paul Okwiri, Jessy Kiveu Maruti, Immaculate Kassait, and Prof. Jennifer Khamasi; Senior Chief Finance Officer Mr. Richard Kerich; Secretary for ICT Infrastructure, Washington Okoth, Martin Mosiria, Senior Chief Finance Officer and other senior officials from the department.