Streamlining ICT Services & Infrastructure in Kenya - Expert

Kenya’s fibre optic industry stands at a pivotal crossroads, embodying both remarkable potential and significant challenges. As the backbone of the nation’s digital infrastructure, fibre optics play a crucial role in connecting millions of Kenyans to the internet and obviously driving economic growth. However, according to Labatt Kosgei - Founder of Plugins IX and a renowned networking evangelist - the industry remains unstreamlined, facing hurdles that hinder the attainment of its full potential.

Attendees during the 2024 Kenya Internet Summit in Hyatt Regency, Nairobi

In an exclusive with Kenya Daily Monitor during the 2024 Kenya Internet Summit, Labatt Kosgei shared that despite substantial investments and the laying of thousands of kilometres of fibre optic cables by leading companies like Safaricom, the sector grapples with issues such as inconsistent regulatory frameworks, high costs of deployment, and limited rural coverage.

“When it comes to domestic distribution, Kenya needs enhancement to ensure equitable access across urban and rural areas. A person in Turkana should not pay the same as the person in Nairobi for example. A person in Kajiado should not be paying the same as a person in Kileleshwa,” Kosgei said. 

Moreover, the taxation of raw materials and the lack of a cohesive national strategy have posed additional barriers to the industry’s growth. Kosgei said that a concerted effort from both the public and private sectors is essential to streamlining operations and foster a more inclusive digital economy, otherwise, the country will continue to linger in mediocrity without attaining it's full potential. 

Speaking about the recent appointment and confirmation of the new ICT cabinet secretary, Kosgei says he has full confidence in the new leadership and hopes that the new CS will work to ensure they develop a national fibre optic framework that trickles down to the most remote of citizens. Kosgei also extended advice to the new ICT cabinet secretary, noting a key area that ICT infrastructure development has been neglected. 

“In fact, you will be surprised to learn that Kenyan highschools are left out in the national ICT infrastructure development. ICT in highschools is managed by the board and headteacher and only develops depending on the schools budget,” he noted. 

Kosgei argues that, the national government should invest heavily in highschools ICT infrastructure and ensure digital training starts as early as in primary schools. He noted that by equiping the young ones with the necessary digital skills and know-how, the government would be preparing them for a successful future. By his account, a national body working under the Ministry of ICT should manage that initiative and not the Ministry of Education. 

To streamline ICT assets effectively, fellow speakers in the 2024 Kenya Internet Summit, noted that the government can implement the ICT Authority Bill, 2024, which aims to regulate the ICT industry by licensing and registering ICT companies and professionals. It also mandates the creation of a national ICT infrastructure register, which will help in better coordination and management of ICT assets. 

Moreover, by implementing favorable policies and incentives, such as those outlined in the 2022-2032 Digital Economy Master Plan, the government can create an enabling environment for businesses to thrive. This includes tax incentives, reduced regulatory barriers, and support for research and development3.

Encouraging a vibrant startup ecosystem and fostering a culture of innovation was also noted as one of the ways Kenya can drive technological advancements. This includes providing support for local tech startups and creating opportunities for young, tech-savvy entrepreneurs. 

In conclusion, Kosgei asserted that while Kenya’s fibre optic industry holds immense promise, addressing these challenges through strategic planning, regulatory reforms, and collaborative efforts will be key to unlocking its full potential and ensuring that every Kenyan can benefit from high-speed, reliable internet connectivity.

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