Hi colleagues ICT is still high in the political agenda .Today at the official opening of parliament, the President mentioned telecommunications as one of the sectors that grew fast and contributed to high overall national growth. He restated the government commitment to the ICT sector and cited the government's approval of the National ICT Policy earlier in the year In the legislative agenda for this session of parliament, he said that the government will present - a Sessional paper on ICT - a ICT bill to repeal Kenya Communications Act of 1998 I did talk a number of MPs and senior officials in the ICT sector who were present and got away with following - there is concern that the well meaning initiative of the government may not be realised simply because of the speed of the parliament to enact laws. In the last year, only 7 bills were enacted against 25 presented for discussions. With this speed of delivery, it is worrying if Parliament can deliver the Sessional paper and the ICT bill before the elections. One thing that comes out in my discussions with some MPs is the need to fast track the Bill - National ICT policy was published by the Ministry of I &C and approved by the Cabinet. Parliament had no role. Sessional paper will be a more forceful national commitment because parliament will discuss it and approve it. Often Sessional papers are more long term and cross cutting. It is significant for the government to develop the Sessional paper to consolidate the gains of the national ICT policy - understandably the bill is in the AG 's office being drafted and barring heavy schedules in AG's office who have to republish the many bills that lapsed, the ICT bill will be out soon. Keep watch. Meanwhile use the draft bill published by the Ministry. Cheers Muriuki --------------------------------------- Summit Strategies Ltd - Strategic information for decision support in infocommunication business ICT Consultancy & Research in Eastern & Central African markets Contacts : Tel +254 (20) 3875824 , Cell + 254 (722) 520090, email: <mailto:mureithi@summitstrategies.co.ke> mureithi@summitstrategies.co.ke