In January 2007, the Nation published the story (below) indicating that the government was in the process of setting up digital villages across the country. What happened to these digital villages and plans? Dr Bitange Ndemo, Paul Kokubo and others were reported to have been driving this process. But as far as I know there are hardly any 'digital villages' in the 210 constituencies. Empty promises? George Story by JUSTUS ONDARI Publication Date: 8/01/2007 Several communication firms will jointly set up hubs in villages around the country, in project meant to close the huge gap in Internet access between rural and urban areas. In the first phase of the programme, Telkom Kenya, Kenya Data Network and Popote Wireless will each establish digital villages in 54 constituencies under an initiative that aims to cover the remaining 156 constituencies by December this year. The Government will subsidise broadband access for the villages under a Sh670 million World Bank loan, that seeks to stimulate demand for broadband uptake over a three year period. Entrepreneurs will get credit through the Youth Fund to buy the locally assembled computers going for an average of Sh25,000 a piece. The initiative, known as Rural Digital Village Marshall Plan, also aims to rope in mobile service providers, Safaricom and Celtel Kenya. The two have already agreed, in principal, to take part in the first phase of the programme, said Mr Peter Kimacia, one of the coordinators of the initiative. Mr Kimacia is the chief executive of ICTvillage.com, an industry-driven Web site and business lobby that aims to make Kenya the information and communication technology (ICT) hub of Africa. At the end of Phase Two of the initiative in December 2008, each of the telecommunications service providers will have at least a digital village in all the 210 constituencies in the country, he said. He was speaking at the Nairobi Serena Hotel during the launch of the initiative. Launching the concept, Information and Communications permanent secretary, Bitange Ndemo said each of the constituencies will have a digital centre, two digital schools, and four digital kiosks within the next 100 days under what he called a Rapid Results Response. A digital centre will have between 10 and 20 computers, while a digital school will have five to 10 computers, and a digital kiosk one to five computers. Also present at the launch were Information and Communication Assistant minister David Were and permanent secretaries David Nalo (Trade and Industry), and Kinuthia Murugu (Youth Affairs). The programme will be overseen by the newly appointed Kenya Information and Communication Technology Board chaired by Ms Catherine Ngahu, and managing director, Paul Kokubo of 3Mice Interactive Media Limited. The villages will offer services like data collection, cyber cafes, training and merchandising. Other services are business outsourcing, franchising and bureau services. -- Dr George Nyabuga Associate Director School of Journalism & Mass Communication University of Nairobi Education Building Harry Thuku Road PO Box 30197 - 00100 Nairobi, Kenya Tel: +254(0)20 318262 Fax: +254(0)20 2229168 Mobile: +254 (0)72151 6573 Email: [email protected], [email protected] www.uonbi.ac.ke ----------------------------------------- This message has been scanned for viruses and dangerous content by MailScanner, and is believed to be clean. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ UNIVERSITY OF NAIROBI IS ISO CERTIFIED The University of Nairobi is committed to providing quality services to all its clients. The University will monitor and review its quality performance from time to time through an effective implementation of the Quality Management System based on ISO 9001:2008 standard. University of Nairobi Website: http://www.uonbi.ac.ke/ +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++