Thanks Lilian, for your contribution on Broadband, let's keep this debate alive. I suppose I may just need to collate some of this valuable contributions, on this forum which we can then transmit onwards at an opportune time for consideration. I like your proposal on a "Pragmatic National Broadband Plan" - it is a crucial agenda that we need to pursue relentlessly.. This would be the way to go, to harness this rich resource for the betterment of this nation.. Regards, Harry _____ From: kictanet-bounces+harry=comtelsys.co.ke@lists.kictanet.or.ke [mailto:kictanet-bounces+harry=comtelsys.co.ke@lists.kictanet.or.ke] On Behalf Of Lilian Karanja Sent: Tuesday, March 23, 2010 1:43 PM To: harry@comtelsys.co.ke Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions Subject: [kictanet] Will broadband have an impact on e-Government demand andsupply in Kenya? Dear Listers: Now that broadband technology is here, and we know that it is certainly going to enhance the competitiveness of our economy and sustain economic growth, am increasingly wondering what strategies the Government of Kenya is working on, to develop broadband applications that will enhance the delivery of public services to citizens. There is no doubt that the Government of Kenya has taken great strides to harness the implementation and use of broadband technologies with the Ministry of Information and Communications leading the way. Is there an e-Gov/Civic Engagement program that will evaluate how broadband can improve the performance of government specifically in terms of transparency and citizen participation and more generally in terms of effectiveness and efficiency? Such engagement programs with 'mwananchi', on broadband and eGovernment, will consider various ways all levels of government, can use broadband to improve public service performance and delivery, including lessons that might apply, for the purposes of developing a pragmatic national broadband plan. The Government of Kenya needs to take stock, consider and pay keen attention to the potential benefits of universal broadband in enabling various government operations to move to a digital platform in terms of improved performance, cost savings, and strategic benefits to the communications infrastructure. The Government should initiate such programs with the support of the private sector. 'Mwanachi' needs to know how they are a part of e-Government and now 'this' new phenomenon, 'broadband', and what they can do to enjoy the privileges that both bring. Lilian.