(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(g)
(h)
Ensuring prudent management of the Universal Service Fund in accordance with its
established objectives;
Ensuring that all citizens have access to ICT services (including Mobile, Internet, postal/courier
and broadcasting) in accordance with agreed guidelines;
Encouraging efficient access to and use of communications systems and services throughout
the Republic of Kenya, focusing on rural, remote and under-served areas in order to promote
social and economic development;
Ensuring reasonable availability and affordability of basic and advanced communications
systems and services to persons with disabilities, at the household and individual levels,
particularly where the market is unable to deliver such services in a financially viable manner;
Supporting the development of Information, Communications and Technologies, including
related human capacity and technological innovation;
Supporting the introduction and expansion of communication services to schools, health
facilities and other organizations serving public needs;
Facilitating development of infrastructure and access to local and relevant content while
ensuring that basic ICT services are made available at an affordable price; and
Strengthening the governance of USAC by the inclusion of licensed operators and/or industry
professionals.
13 ACCESSIBILITY
13.1 ICT Accessibility by Persons with Disabilities
Kenya is a signatory to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
(PWDs), which was adopted by the UN General Assembly on 13 Dec 2006 and came into force on 3
May 2008. The Convention stipulates that Persons with Disabilities have a right to access to
information through different mediums with Article 9 covering accessibility including ICTs while Article
30 covers television programmes, films, theatre and other cultural activities.
The World Health Organization estimates that about ten per cent of the world's population has some
type of disability, hence the need to take into consideration accessibility aspects for persons
disabilities when designing ICT public policy.
13.2 Strategies
The main objective of this policy guideline is to provide a foundation for an accessible ICT environment
in the country in order to enable persons with disabilities to take full advantage of ICTs. In this regard,
the Government will where appropriate take measures to:
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
ensure that ICT services and emergency communications made available to the public are
provided in alternative accessible formats for persons with disabilities (PWD);
review existing legislation and regulations to promote ICT accessibility for PWDs in
consultation with organisations representing PWDs among others;
promote design, production and distribution of accessible ICT at an early stage;
ensure that persons with disabilities can exercise the right to access to information, freedom
of expression and opinion;
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