On March 1st, 2025, we convened the Right to Information Forum at the Farmview Hotel Busia to discuss about Digital Rights and barriers to digital inclusion in Busia County. The gathering brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including community leaders, digital rights advocates, policy analysts, and journalists, to confront the pressing issue of the region’s digital divide.
The forum provided a critical platform for open discussion, collaborative problem-solving, and strategic planning, all aimed at fostering a more connected and informed future for Busia.
Busia County, like many regions across Kenya, faces formidable barriers to digital inclusion. A significant portion of the population remains disconnected, severely limiting their access to essential information, vital resources, and crucial services.
This digital disparity not only hinders educational advancement and economic opportunities but also impedes social inclusion and civic participation, thereby exacerbating existing inequalities. Moreover, the ever-present concerns surrounding internet shutdowns and censorship continue to pose serious threats to the fundamental democratic freedoms that underpin a just and equitable society.
The forum delved into several critical issues that are currently impeding digital access and the right to information in Busia. Experts and stakeholders shared invaluable insights on a range of topics, including:
Internet Access and Affordability, Regulation of Online Content and AI Challenges,
Cybersecurity and Digital Safety, Legal Advocacy and Policy Engagement.
“For digital inclusion to be truly meaningful, we must prioritize affordability, digital literacy, and infrastructure development,” stated Caroline Akinyi, a digital rights advocate from Busia. “It is not merely about connecting people to the internet; it is about ensuring they can safely and effectively utilize the vast resources that the internet offers.”
Another key takeaway from the forum was the paramount importance of digital literacy in empowering Busia content creators to fully exercise their right to information.
Discussions highlighted: The urgent need for public education through targeted campaigns to raise awareness about fundamental digital rights.
The provision of comprehensive training on digital security to help individuals and organizations protect their online presence from cyber threats.
The expansion of digital literacy programs at the community level to effectively bridge the digital gap and empower more creators.
Strengthening Collaboration and Advocacy: A Collective Call to Action
The meeting also emphasized the need for collective action in advancing digital rights in Busia. Stakeholders emphasized:
The forging of stronger partnerships among civil society organizations, journalists, and tech experts to amplify their impact, Increased engagement with policymakers to advocate for progressive digital policies that promote inclusivity and freedom. they also pushed for policies that would explore and leverage alternative technologies, such as community networks and satellite-based solutions, to provide backup internet access in the event of shutdowns.
“The right to information is fundamental, and we must work together to ensure every resident in Busia can access and utilize digital resources,” said John Wekesa, a policy analyst. “A connected community is an empowered community, capable of driving positive change.”
Our Chairman, Kennedy Kachwanya, emphasized, “Access to information is not a privilege; it is a fundamental right that every Kenyan should enjoy. We must work collectively to ensure no one is left behind in the digital revolution. We need to create an environment where everyone has the tools and the knowledge to participate fully in the digital age. We need to look into how we can get the youth to be more involved in the digital space. We need to train them, and give them the tools to succeed.”
The forum is a crucial step forward in the ongoing effort to bridge the digital divide and promote digital rights in Kenya.