KENYA MARKS 151ST WORLD POST DAY WITH CALL TO MODERNISE AND DIGITISE POSTAL SERVICES

Principal Secretary for Broadcasting and Telecommunications, Mr. Stephen Isaboke, delivers his remarks during the 151st World Post Day celebrations in Nairobi, where he reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to modernising and digitising Kenya’s postal services.

By: Gladys K

Kenya today joined the rest of the world in marking the 151st World Post Day, an event that underscored the country’s determination to modernise and digitise its postal services in line with global trends. The celebration, held in Nairobi, was led by the Principal Secretary for Broadcasting and Telecommunications, Mr. Stephen Isaboke, who represented the Cabinet Secretary for Information, Communications and the Digital Economy, Hon. William Kabogo Gitau.

This year’s theme, “PostForPeople: Local Service. Global Reach,” resonated with the Government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), which seeks to promote inclusive growth, digital access, and equitable opportunities for all Kenyans.

Speaking during the event, Mr. Stephen Isaboke reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to repositioning the Postal Corporation of Kenya (PCK) as a key enabler of e-commerce, logistics, and digital financial services.

“The Postal Corporation remains one of the most reliable networks for connecting Kenyans across all 47 counties. Postal services have evolved beyond mail delivery — they now play a central role in e-commerce, logistics, and financial inclusion,” said Mr. Stephen Isaboke.

He acknowledged the financial challenges that Posta Kenya has faced and assured staff and stakeholders that the Government had already begun unlocking funds owed to the Corporation.

“Yes, there has been a cash flow challenge, but I can confirm that the Ministry, working with the Post Office, has unlocked some of the funding, especially the rent arrears owed by Huduma Centres. We are transforming the postal system to ensure it remains competitive and sustainable,” added Mr. Stephen Isaboke.

The PS was accompanied by senior ministry officials, including Mr. Alphonse Kanuga, Secretary Postal Service and Telecommunications; Ms. Patricia Ondeng, Secretary Public Communication; and Mr. Temesi Mukani, Secretary Information and Broadcasting.

Also present were the Postmaster General, Mr. John Tonui, and the Director General of the Communications Authority of Kenya, Mr. David Mugonyi, among other senior officials and industry stakeholders.

In his remarks, Mr. John Tonui called for the acceleration of postal sector reforms through the approval and implementation of the PostCap Memo, which he said is critical to the Corporation’s transformation agenda.

“I humbly request the Ministry to assist in fast-tracking the approval and implementation of the PostCap Memo. This reform is central to our transformation agenda,” said Mr. John Tonui.

He outlined the Postal Corporation’s revival plan, which focuses on three pillars — core modernization, PostaPay digital services, and asset optimization — aimed at repositioning Posta Kenya as a digital logistics and financial services hub.

“We are converting our outlets into modern communication centers offering e-payment, e-commerce, and e-government services. Posta Kenya is ready to play its part in building a digital economy that leaves no one behind,” emphasized Mr. John Tonui.

On his part, Mr. David Mugonyi, the Director General of the Communications Authority of Kenya, expressed the regulator’s support for the ongoing postal reforms, saying the Authority is committed to aligning its regulatory framework with global standards.

“The Communications Authority fully supports the strategic direction of postal reform. We will align our regulatory framework with international standards to ensure Kenya’s postal system remains efficient, innovative, and future-ready,” said Mr. David Mugonyi.

He noted that while traditional letter volumes are declining globally, there is sustained growth in the courier and parcel business due to the expansion of e-commerce, a trend Posta Kenya can leverage to grow its revenues.

“The future of Posta lies in digital innovation and logistics. The sector’s potential to drive small business growth and connect rural communities to markets is immense,” remarked Mr. David Mugonyi.

As the event concluded, Mr. Stephen Isaboke reaffirmed the Ministry’s resolve to build a modern postal system that serves both citizens and businesses effectively.

 “As we celebrate World Post Day, we renew our resolve to make the Post a pillar of Kenya’s digital and economic transformation. Through innovation, partnership, and vision, we can build a 21st-century Posta Kenya that truly delivers  for the people, for business, and for the nation,” said Mr. Stephen Isaboke.

The celebration brought together government officials, regulators, and postal sector stakeholders, all united by a common goal to modernise Kenya’s postal services and ensure their continued relevance in an increasingly digital and interconnected world.