Kenya's digital future is significantly hampered by county-level bureaucracy, as revealed at the 2025 Devolution Conference in Homa Bay. Inconsistent policies, regulatory hurdles, and siloed operations among the 47 counties are hindering national broadband rollout and creating a digital divide.

• Only 0.6% of rural households have fixed internet, with counties like West Pokot at just 9.1% internet usage, contrasting sharply with Nairobi's high connectivity.
• Stephen Isaboke, Principal Secretary for Broadcasting and Telecommunications, emphasized the need for synergy and adherence to the National ICT Policy 2020 to avoid duplicated projects and wasted resources.
• Service providers face challenges including complicated county licensing, land wrangles, misinformation, poor infrastructure, and theft/vandalism, leading to delayed projects and higher costs.