Well, I have read the bill so that I cannot say "nilisomewa". It's quite short and I encourage everybody who is affected by it to read it.
Some preliminary issues on the Bill after reading it:
1. There is established an ICT Practitioners Institute
2. Information Communication Technology Association of Kenya nominates 5 people on the Board of the Institute. How many guys here are members of the ICT Association? Is it the bonafide body to represent all ICT practitioners in Kenya?
3. All ICT practitioners must be registered and licensed as ICT practitioners on payment of annual fees.
4. You must have a Diploma or Degree to qualify for registration as an ICT partitioner. Just think about Bill Gates and Zuckerberg. Non of them graduated from college, but they changed the world in their own small way.
5. You must have five years experience to practice ICT.
5. The example of Bill Gates and Zuckerberg is the best yet, of permission-less innovation
6. A person shall not operate an ICT firm unless it is registered by the Institute and has paid annual membership.
7. A person shall not be entitled to recover a fee for ICT services, unless such person is licensed under this Act.
So my mechanic diagnoses my car using a computer, and does computerised wheel balancing. They may now be prepared to get licensed.
Well this bill affects all techies and consultants alike. The bill makes it illegal to practice your trade without being licensed. It's preposterous at best, morally criminal maybe. It locks out opportunities for the young passionate innovators who do wonders without ever stepping in college. ICT allows these young fellows permission-less innovation. They sit behind a computer and write beautiful code that changes the world. It is heart-aching that those who thrived in an open dynamic ICT environment in Kenya now want to lock up the industry as a preserve of the few. Washindwe kabisa.
Well, the constitutions allows enough consultation before any bill is passed in parliament. If you feel your interests are not taken care by the new bill, then now is the time to raise your voice or forever keep your cool. We will deliver our petition to the relevant offices.
Peace.