Over the years, we advanced the logic to have the various public agencies within the ICT sector converged. When the executive order on the same was finally signed by the President, we anticipated a drastically bright future for the Kenyan ICT sector. At the same time, we recognized that there are a range of issues that require harmonization in the course of time. On this basis we have variously pleaded with the ministry to convene a multi-stakeholder forum so that the ICT community can ventilate their concerns and make contribution to policy. This to no avail. In good faith, we have also invited the ministry to useful events where business relevant to them is transacted but they have failed to show up. In the true African spirit, we have optimistically hoped that they will reciprocate our multiple invitations, at least with a single invite even to their lowest profile event, only to harshly realize that "our hopes are not valid".
All along, we have held a strong desire to support the Kenyan ICT excellence dream. However, without fear of contradiction, I regrettably submit that the modus operandi at the ICT ministry has tragically deflated the ICT momentum and enthusiasm that prior leadership strove to gather. Never has it been so difficult to offer a helping hand at the ministry! I nostalgically miss the times when Hon Rege, Hon Mutahi Kagwe, Hon Poghisio, Dr. Ndemo were at the helm. Those are the days when the PS or Minister would stay late into the evening consulting stakeholders and ooze visions of wisdom for the sector the following dawn. Court battles were alien to the sector.
My personal holding is that courts should only be applicable as a last resort. Litigation procedures and outcomes in their nature are very adversarial. There are majorly two possible outcomes in a court process; a fabulous winner and bitter loser. Engagement and Consultation on its part produces an endless chain of winners. But if the Kenyan ICT sector can only be successfully steered through chamber summons, sworn affidavits and court decrees; then my heart bleeds.
Kamotho Njenga