ICT Ministry bets on policy review to grow sector

The Ministry of Information, Communications and Technology (ICT) is reviewing its national policy guidelines.

The new rules are expected to take into account new developments in the industry over the last eight years.

ICT Cabinet Secretary Joe Mucheru said the review has been necessitated by rapid changes in the sector, as well as efforts to meet the ministry’s performance targets as per its 2014-15 performance contract.

He said the policy review would take a multi-sectoral approach, with input from all stakeholders.

The sectors set for revision include mobile money, cyber security and virtual networks.

“A draft document on the policy guidelines was developed in 2015, but upon extensive consultations, it was felt that it required further input aimed at providing a more inclusive document incorporating new and emerging issues within the ICT sector,” said Mr Mucheru .

Speaking during the launch of the review at the ministry’s offices last week, Mucheru said the National ICT Policy 2016 would provide a framework for sustained sector development over the next five years.

He added that the ministry would use the opportunity to boost its presence and visibility as a leading player in shaping the destiny of the ICT sector.

The policy will encompass infrastructure issues, applications and content creation. The CS explained that the sectoral working group handling new and emerging issues on infrastructure is expected to come up with strategic objectives to enhance ICT’s impact in the public sector, as set out in the e-Government strategic plan.

The devices, applications and content team is expected to develop proposals that will result in availability and affordability of devices, and embrace best practices in incorporating the use of Internet services.

These will include big data, over-the-top content (OTT), which refers to delivery of audio, video and other media over the Internet without the involvement of a multiple system, mobile money and gaming.

“The overall impact is to articulate policies that will enhance and stimulate the uptake of these services by Kenyans in urban and rural areas,” said Mucheru.

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