Thank you Listers, we have had a great debate so far. There are so many issues that have remained hanging on the first thread. I hope we can continue debate on those issues, and tie the loose ends.


We will move on to broadband policies.


Here is a brief background. Kenya enacted a National Broadband Strategy in 2013. This was updated to the Draft National Broadband Strategy 2023 that takes into account recent technological, industry trends and market realities. The Draft strategy went through public participation in March 2019. It covers; Infrastructure and connectivity, Content services and applications, Policy - regulations and Legislation, Capacity building and innovations, Broadband devices, Finance and investment, Privacy and Security, Role of stakeholders in expanding broadband penetration, Governance and delivery framework. The outcome of the public participation has not been released to the public by the National Broadband Strategy Steering Committee. We hope to get an update on that.


We also have the ICT Policy 2006, and the yet to be ratified Draft ICT policy 2016. The ICT policy should be the overarching policy on which the other policies in the sector branch from. Probably we will get an explanation on how new ICT related strategies are being drafted without an updated ICT policy.


This leads to the following questions:

  1. How is the sector regulated and what complimentary policies are in place?
  2. What complimentary laws and regulations are in place that either stifle, or promote broadband? 
  3. How is the business environment for those who want to venture into provision of broadband services?  
  4. What policy interventions can be put in place to promote broadband uptake?

Looking forward to a great policy day.

Sincerely,
______________________
Mwendwa Kivuva