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Cabinet Secretary Ministry of ICT Fred Matiang’i announced this during the official opening of the ICT week/FILE

Kenya

Matiang’i says ICT sector to grow by 15pc

The government has already brought a number of its services onto the digital platform. These include the iTax portal, Huduma Centres, the Integrated Financial Management Information System (IFMIS), the e-Citizen Portal and telemedicine among others.

“Kenyans can today access government services such as registering businesses, renew drivers licenses, apply for marriage certificates, apply for passports, submit tax returns, pay land rates and many more services through these platforms all from their communication gadgets,” he added.

Challenges

The sector however continues to experience various challenges. These include Kenya’s depleting cyber-security, protection of intellectual property, public sector procurement of ICT goods and services, representation of the private sector and investors in various public sector regulatory and policy making bodies among others.

The chairman of Communications Authority of Kenya, Ngene Gituku however said that his institution is continuously seeking to build its capacity in order to keep up with the changes that are seen in the dynamic ICT sector.

“CA has sought partnerships with different agencies for the benefit of collaborating in cross-cutting issues in ICT sector regulations,” he stated.

Going forward

According to Matiang’i, the Ministry of ICT, through the National ICT Master Plan has provided a clear roadmap for ICT infrastructure development, policy and institutional reforms.

He added that there are ongoing projects under this plan which includes Universal person’s registration system, setting up companies’ registry database, Assets Data Hub, development of a National Spatial Data Infrastructure and establishment of five centres of excellence in education and a training of high tech professionals. These projects will be backed by the ongoing connection of all the 47 counties to the National Optical Fibre Backbone Infrastructure.

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The ministry of ICT in collaboration with Communication Authority of Kenya has also completed the institutionalization of the Universal Service Fund (USF) as required by law.

“It is expected that from the next Financial Year, USF will fund development of ICT infrastructure in various communication marginalized parts of our country, including provision of free WIFI services to support the slum upgrading programme currently being implemented by the Office of the President,” he stated.

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