Ministry of Information to classify internet an essential service
BY GALGALLO FAYO AND EVALYNE GITHINJI (PCO)
The Ministry of Information, Communications and the Digital Economy plans to classify the internet as an essential service, enabling Kenyans access to information, communication, education and economic opportunities in the digital space.
Speaking when he appeared before the National Assembly Committee on Communication, Information and Innovation to give a briefing of the Supplementary II Budget proposals, the Ministry’s Cabinet Secretary William Kabogo committed to presenting before the Cabinet, a proposal requesting that internet be classified as a vital and essential service so that it can be exempted from wayleaves.
“We will table a Cabinet Memo requesting that internet be classified as a vital and essential service so that it is exempt from wayleaves demand to accelerate connectivity,” said CS Kabogo
The CS was responding to the Committee concerns regarding the slow pace of implementation of the 100,000 kilometers digital super-highway, and other programs.
The CS highlighted the progress made by the Ministry in the implementation of various programs.
He however noted that some of the programs have been affected by fund cuts. He said only 18 digital hubs have been established and connected out of an annual target of 390 and 1,500 kilometers of fiber installed against a target of 5,000 kilometers among other projects.
He observed that the ministry has exceeded targets on some fronts as it has created 19,650 new jobs in the Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) sector against a target of 10,000 and 49,513 youths trained on digital skills through Ajira Digital programme.
“The construction of Konza Complex is well on course, and Kenya Advanced Institute of Science & Technology (KENYA-AIST) is set for handover in March,” the CS stated.
The CS said the ministry has realistic targets but has experienced funding challenges leading to slow implementation of programs.
He appreciated Members of Parliament for their support, noting that many of them have already constructed digital hubs for equipping in their constituencies.
On his part, the Principal Secretary for Broadcasting and Telecommunications Prof. Edward Kisiang’ani, who accompanied the CS, emphasized the importance of optimally funding the ministry which is a critical enabler of Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) pillars.
“This administration has six BETA pillars and the engine that runs all those pillars is this ministry,” the PS reiterated.
He urged the Committee to support the funding of Public Communication and Information which is critical in conveying government projects and programs to the public.
PS Kisiang’ani explained that funding is needed to purchase modern media equipment, refurbish offices and facilitate officers undertaking their assignments.
The PS also said the government advocates freedom of the Press. He, however, called on the media to exercise responsible reporting.
The Committee, led by Chair John Kiarie Waweru, expressed support for the ministry’s bid to fast-track the ongoing programs aimed at enhancing connectivity across the country.
Kiarie further stated that allocating requisite resources for communication is very important, “a government that does not communicate runs into the risks of misinformation, mal-information, disinformation, fake news and so on,” he said.
He noted that communication is key in helping citizens to be informed of the services provided by the government, so that they can access them at their convenience.
“We are also depending on you, Government Public Communications Directorate, to make sure that our legacy institutions do not collapse under your watch, and we are also depending on you to bring government communications up to date to be fit for purpose for a time such as this but to also future proof,” Kiarie added.
The purpose of the meeting was to deliberate on matters of policies, programmes and expenditure ceiling of the state departments under the ministry’s purview.