(i)
(d)
5
5.1
Facilitate deployment of the Internet of Things (remote sensing and control of connected
devices) for the public infrastructure and environmental management.
Encourage universities to scale up education and incubation of ICT solutions, including
through partnerships with the business sector.
ICT INFRASTRUCTURE AND ACCESS
Infrastructure Development
The increase in the uptake of internet based and other ICT related services, requires appropriate
infrastructure to enable social and economic growth. Thus infrastructure-related policy is increasingly
focused on how to effectively ensure affordable and wide spread access to ICT services. Infrastructure
is thus the core foundation of an integrated ICT eco-system. Without enabling infrastructure, all other
components cannot exist. Policy which governs how a country’s infrastructure is developed and
managed is therefore fundamental to the supply of services which enable growth.
5.2
Deployment of ICT Infrastructure Services in Counties
In Kenya there is a devolved system of governance according to the Constitution of Kenya, 2010, which
placed telecommunications and ICT a mandate of The National Government. Government will
therefore put in place measure to encourage investments and rollout of ICT services across all
Counties.
Licensed operators under the Unified Licensing Framework (ULF) will be given incentives plus
equitable coverage obligations to address the underserved and unserved areas in the Counties with
the support of the Universal Service Fund (USF). The Communications Authority will support licensing
of County-based service providers to offer last mile access solutions.
5.3
Infrastructure Sharing
The development and provision of a robust ICT infrastructure underpins sustainable growth in the
sector. Towards this end the Government will continue to promote availability and access to efficient,
reliable and affordable ICT infrastructure at County, National and International levels. The
Government will support the building of high-speed, mobile, secure and ubiquitous new generation
ICT infrastructure networks through high-speed links and high-speed wireless broadband networks at
town and village levels.
In order to develop a modern Internet system, an action plan will be put in place to integrate the
mobile internet, cloud computing, big data and the internet of things with modern manufacturing;
promoting e-commerce, industrial networks, Internet banking and a new system supporting high-tech
manufacturing in agriculture, tourism, energy, finance, public services and logistics. Internet-based
companies will be encouraged to increase their presence in the international market. This is aimed at
providing and implementing sufficient Internet capacity to schools, colleges, and businesses; and to
provide effect a reliable and secure Internet infrastructure.
14