Kenya’s ICT Authority Bill 2024 to strengthen digital governance and cybersecurity

ALLAN WANDERA-KNA

The anticipated ICT Authority Bill 2024 will reshape how digital services are deliv ered, enhance security, and position Kenya as a leader in digital governance.

The Ministry of Information, Communications and the Digital Economy, through a Multi-Stake holder Committee developed the Draft ICT Authority Bill 2024 to establish a legal framework for the creation, powers and functions of the ICT Authority.

Speaking during a Public Validation meeting for the ICT Authority Bill, 2024 (ICTABILL2024) held at the Kenyatta International Centre, the Chief Executive Officer ICT Authority Stanley Kamanguya said the Bill seeks to provide a legal framework that would strengthen the ICT Authority’s role in driving digital governance, infrastructure development, and cybersecurity.

The validation meeting to discuss the Bill was at tended by stakeholders from government institutions and the private sector Kamanguya said the ICT Authority has operated under a legal notice with challenges for over a decade and that the Bill would provide a strong legal foundation to enhance digital transformation and improve service delivery in institutions.

“One of the biggest challenges in Kenya’s digital trans formation has been the damage to ICT infra structure during public works projects,” stated the CEO.

He singled out road construction, water, en ergy projects, fiber op tic networks and other digital infrastructure are some of the infrastruc tures that often suffer damage, leading to costly repairs and inefficiencies, noting that the new bill would address the challenge.

“We are proposing integrated infrastructure development, where ICT infrastructure is factored into all public works from the start. This will optimize resources and ensure a secure, reli able digital network,” Kamanguya stated.

Kamanguya observed that Kenyans have faced fragmented and frustrat ing digital interactions with government services for years, because various government agencies have developed isolated ICT systems that do not communicate with each other, resulting in multiple instances of data collection and in efficient service delivery.

“Disjointed systems have forced citizens into multiple registrations, causing inefficiencies. This Bill aims to stream line ICT systems for a seamless and efficient service experience,” he said.

A key area of contention during public consultations was the ac creditation of ICT service providers where most private sector players raised concerns, noting that strict accreditation rules could limit compe tition and innovation.

The CEO acknowledged the feedback, noting that nearly 60 percent of con cerns from stakehold ers centred on the issue, saying that the Bill should enable growth, not hinder innovation.

“We have removed ac creditation requirements and will use ICT codes and regulations for vet ting service providers,” Kamanguya assured.

He said the removal of the requirement aimed to balance accountability with transparency, thereby ensuring that government agencies could access top-tier ICT services while allowing private sector players to thrive.

The CEO pointed out that cybersecurity has become one of the big gest challenges facing Kenya’s digital transfor mation, adding that vari ous government agencies currently handle cyber security independently, thereby creating gaps in risk management and response strategies.

“Cyber threats pose a significant risk not only to government opera tions but also to the entire economy,” he said.

To address the incon sistencies, Kamunguya further noted that the Bill proposed a harmonized approach, with the ICT Authority taking a lead ing role in supporting government agencies to secure their digital infra structure.

The ICT Authority Bill 2024 is built on three guiding principles that will shape the future of Kenya’s digital transfor mation. T hey include the universal digital access which aims to ensure that all citizens, regard less of their location or background, have equal opportunities to access digital services.

This initiative seeks to create an inclusive digital ecosystem where every one could benefit from technology, enhance connectivity, access to information, and public service delivery across the country.