By JAMES RATEMO
East African member states are forging a common ground on Internet Governance ahead of an international forum schedule to take place in India next month.
A three-day conference, which started in Nairobi yesterday brought together technology stakeholders from East Africa to deliberate on Internet governance policies. The meeting also discussed how to increase connectivity and Internet affordability across the region.
Speaking at the Conference, Kenya ICT Board CEO, Mr Paul Kukubo stressed the need to develop skills alongside ICT infrastructure in the country.
He said Africa is poorly represented at global arena where critical international policies are formulated, meaning less input in Internet Governance policies that affect the region.
Multi-stakeholder mode
Mr Marcus Kummer, Executive co-ordinator, Internet Governance Forum Secretariat, called on all stakeholders to participate and put right issues of Internet cost, efficiency and access.
"The Internet needs to be governed in a multi-stakeholder mode – that is all stakeholders… governments, the private sector, civil society and the Internet community," said Kummer.
Kenya Director General, Mr Charles Njoroge, in a speech, said Africa needs to remain active in the Internet Governance so as to ensure that the continent’s interests are protected to derive maximum benefit from ‘this important and transformative technology.
