The proposed National Information and Communications Technologies Council for Kenya

Abstract

This research project was undertaken between January and May 200 I. Its purpose was the collection of information that could be factored into or influence the setting up of a National NlCTC. The specific goals of the research were to: I) Provide a comprehensive description and analysis of the characteristics of the current provisions for providing advisory, coordination and regulatory services on lCTs in the country (Literature Review) 2) Identify pertinent and valid exploratory variables and success indicators 3) Test the exploratory variables on an appropriate group of subjects (Survey) 4) Formulate specific conclusions based on the results of the Literature Review and the Survey. 5) Arrive at general conclusions of the project The information gathered may be helpful for a variety of purposes including the development of guidelines for identifying an effective NICTC framework or its components. Should the findings herein be available at a time that an NICTC is already operational, then they may be useful for reviewing any relevant aspects. No specific structure is proposed as a result of this project. Rather, it is expected that the information obtained can be used as building blocks for a final structure. The present report describes the results of the project. The report is comprised of two parts. Part I describes the review of statutory provisions, enabling instruments and other literature currently existing on the ICTs sector. Part 2 presents the results of a questionnaire-based survey of lCT Stakeholders familiar with the requirements, shortcomings and potential of the sector. The results of Part 2 can therefore be described as the reflection of what the Stakeholders want regarding an NlCTC. The Government of Kenya has instituted measures to revitalize and transform the economy into modern marketoriented economy. The stated aim is to establish Kenya, in the medium to long term, as the centre of industrial and financial activities in the region. To this end the Information and Communication Technologies (lCTs) sector has been declared as having an important role to play if the country's development thrust is to be.successful. The Kenyan economy is currently characterized by rapid structural reforms involving regulatory, technological and market changes. The Government policy in the last decade has been on economic liberalization, de-regulation and competition. The lCT sector has made certain changes under these guidelines, albeit at a less than desired speed, scope. And content. Apart from the policy background, the technologies have themselves had significant effect in changing and revolutionizing not just the economy, but also the entire social fabric. All in all the Government has recognized that ICTs can playa prominent role as a catalyst for the growth of the nation's, agricultural, commercial and industrial sectors, while also supporting socio-economic goals such as poverty eradication. Need for an ICTs Coordination Body A sector Policy Paper issued in January 1997 by the Government proposed the establishment of a Policy Advisory Secretariat to accompany the other changes that were planned in the ICT restructuring. The Policy Paper recognized that ICTs are vital for any country's economic productivity, competitiveness and national security.