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FOREWORD
The achievement of an information society and knowledge economy is one of the main priorities of the
Government towards the attainment of the development goals and objectives for wealth and employment
creation as espoused in Kenya’s Vision 2030. The review of the ICT Policy of March 2006 is inspired by first,
the need to align it with the New Constitutional dispensation in Kenya and Vision 2030 that seeks to
transform our country into a leading information and knowledge hub of the region. Specifically, the driving
force behind this review is to take on board the lessons learnt from the Vision 2030 Medium Term
Frameworks and the three underlying pillars namely the Economic, Social and Political.
Secondly, the review is meant to provide a pro-active policy and regulatory framework that is not only in
synch with contemporary technological realities and dynamics, but also expected to guide the orderly
development of the ICT sector in such a way as to ensure maximum developmental impact for the benefit
of all Kenyans. In reviewing this policy, the Government has taken cognizance of the tremendous impact
of globalization and rapid changes of technology. These changes have invariably affected the traditional
approach to the management of public affairs and service delivery, which increasingly informs the need for
more pro-active policy and regulatory response.
The ICT sector is dynamic and the Government will regularly review ICT policies to resonate with the rapid
technological advances, changing public needs and evolving global trends. Emphasis will be placed on
policy implementation initiatives, programmes and projects. The overarching focus will be to provide
access to ICTs, especially broadband to all Kenyans and seamless connectivity to the East African
Community member states with proactive collaboration at regional and international levels.
This revised Policy will provide a clear and compelling roadmap to drive social, economic, cultural and
political transformation through the effective use of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) in
the years ahead. The Policy complements and builds upon Vision 2030 and provides many of the key
strategies essential for achieving Kenya’s national development targets. As we review the policy, we will
concentrate on speeding up the building of high-speed, mobile, secure and ubiquitous new generation
information technology infrastructure, developing modern internet industrial system, implementing the
national big data strategy and enhancing cyber security.
By harnessing the power of the Internet, state-owned enterprises are expected to improve their sourcing,
sales and logistics systems; streamline operations and identify, track market trends and boost their
marketing, research and innovation capabilities. Operation of private-sector companies will become more
efficient, translating into productivity gains and creating new markets for innovative products and services.
The relevant strategies, policies and action plans have and will continue to bring about revolutionary
transformation in Kenya.
In conclusion, it is my conviction that this policy instrument shall continue to set the pace in the right
direction to further development of our ICT sector in particular and the economy in general, while ensuring
that all stakeholders benefit fully from the consequent benefits.
Joe Mucheru
Cabinet Secretary for Information, Communications & Technology
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