Kenya’s National Information, Communications, and Technology (ICT) Policy

Kenya’s National Information, Communications, and Technology (ICT) Policy is a comprehensive framework aimed at harnessing the power of information and communication technologies to promote national development, economic growth, and social inclusion. The policy was designed to ensure that the country benefits from the increasing role of ICT in both the public and private sectors, enabling Kenya to achieve its development goals in a rapidly digitalizing world.

The policy outlines strategic objectives for ICT infrastructure development, digital literacy, innovation, and e-governance, with a focus on transforming Kenya into a knowledge-based economy. It also aims to ensure that all Kenyans have access to ICT, which can empower them to participate in the digital economy.

Key objectives of the ICT policy

The National ICT Policy of Kenya is guided by several overarching objectives, including:

1. Promotion of ICT as an enabler for economic growth The policy recognises ICT as a key driver of economic development and seeks to leverage it for job creation, enhancing productivity, and stimulating growth in key sectors like agriculture, manufacturing, education, and health.
2. Enhancement of national ICT infrastructure The policy aims to develop and expand ICT infrastructure to ensure widespread access to reliable, affordable, and high-speed broadband across the country. This includes expanding fiber optic networks, improving mobile broadband, and increasing access to ICT services in rural and underserved areas.
3. Digital literacy and skills development To ensure the population is digitally empowered, the policy places emphasis on promoting digital literacy at all levels of society, particularly through initiatives like the Digital Literacy Program (DLP), which provides ICT tools and training in schools. It also focuses on upskilling the workforce to meet the demands of the digital economy.
4. Fostering innovation and digital entrepreneurship The policy encourages innovation and supports the creation of a vibrant tech ecosystem in Kenya. By fostering startups, supporting ICT incubators and accelerators, and encouraging local innovation, the policy seeks to position Kenya as a leader in tech innovation in Africa.
5. E-Government and service delivery The policy promotes the use of ICT to improve governance and public service delivery. This includes digitizing government services to enhance efficiency, transparency, and accessibility for citizens. The aim is to build an e-Government system that supports the efficient delivery of services such as business registration, tax payments, healthcare, and education.
6. Cybersecurity and data protection Ensuring the safety and security of ICT infrastructure and online activities is a priority under the policy. This includes the development of a robust cybersecurity framework and establishing legal frameworks for data protection, privacy, and combating cybercrime.
7. ICT for social inclusion The policy aims to bridge the digital divide by ensuring that all Kenyan citizens, including marginalised and rural populations, have access to ICT. The focus is on increasing access to affordable ICT services, as well as empowering individuals with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in the digital world.
8. Regional and international cooperation Recognising the importance of global cooperation, the policy advocates for Kenya’s active participation in international forums and regional ICT initiatives. The policy promotes regional partnerships and collaborations with other countries, especially within East Africa, to share knowledge, resources, and best practices.

Key provisions and focus areas

1. ICT infrastructure and connectivity

• Broadband access: The policy aims to provide affordable and reliable broadband services across the country. The government has committed to establishing a national broadband network, focusing on fibre optics, satellite, and wireless technology to expand coverage, especially in rural and remote areas.
• Public-private partnerships (PPP): The policy encourages PPPs to expand and improve ICT infrastructure, including investing in the development of key physical infrastructure like data centres, national fibre optic networks, and wireless communication towers.

2. ICT in education

The policy aims to integrate ICT into the education system at all levels to promote digital literacy and innovation among students. Key initiatives include:

• Digital literacy program (DLP): Providing primary school students with digital learning devices to facilitate ICT integration into the curriculum.
• ICT in teacher training: Ensuring that teachers are equipped with the necessary skills to teach ICT and leverage digital tools in the classroom.

3. ICT in healthcare (e-health)

The policy advocates for the use of ICT to improve healthcare delivery in Kenya, particularly in rural areas. E-health initiatives focus on:

• Telemedicine: Providing remote consultations, diagnoses, and medical advice to underserved populations.
• Electronic health records: Digitalizing health records to improve patient care and information management.

4. ICT for governance (e-government)

One of the main pillars of the ICT policy is enhancing governance through ICT. The government has embarked on digitalizing various public service functions, such as:

• E-Citizen platform: A unified online platform that provides access to government services, including passport applications, vehicle registration, and business licensing.
• Public cccess to information: Using digital platforms to make government data and services easily accessible to the public, improving transparency and accountability.

5. Support for innovation and ICT startups

The policy recognises the importance of innovation for Kenya’s economic growth. It supports:

• ICT Innovation hubs: Establishing hubs to nurture and support tech startups, foster creativity, and encourage collaboration among entrepreneurs.
• Access to funding: The policy encourages access to venture capital and funding opportunities for tech startups.

6. Cybersecurity and data protection

• Cybersecurity framework: The policy focuses on strengthening national cybersecurity measures to protect ICT infrastructure and online services.
• National cybersecurity strategy: Developing frameworks for protecting citizens’ data and ensuring privacy and security in the digital space.
• Cybercrime prevention: Criminalising activities like hacking, cyberbullying, and other forms of online abuse through laws such as the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act (2018).

7. Digital financial services (fintech)

Kenya is already a leader in mobile money, and the policy aims to expand financial inclusion through ICT. Key initiatives include:

• Mobile banking: Expanding access to mobile banking services to provide financial services to underserved populations, especially in rural areas.
• Fintech innovation: Encouraging innovation in financial services by supporting mobile payment systems, digital wallets, and online banking.

8. Legislation and regulation

The policy emphasises the need for comprehensive legal frameworks to ensure proper regulation of ICT activities in Kenya. This includes the development of laws related to:

• Intellectual property (IP): Protecting the intellectual property rights of creators in the digital space.
• Privacy and data protection: Safeguarding citizens’ personal information through the implementation of data protection laws, such as the Data Protection Act (2019).

Challenges and future directions

While Kenya’s ICT policy has made great strides in integrating technology into various sectors, there are challenges that need to be addressed:

• Digital divide: Despite progress, access to ICT services remains unequal between urban and rural areas. Bridging this gap remains a key challenge.
• Cybersecurity threats: As Kenya’s digital landscape grows, so do the risks associated with cyberattacks. Strengthening cybersecurity frameworks is crucial.
• Skill gaps: There is a need for more focused efforts to build advanced ICT skills, especially in fields like artificial intelligence, machine learning, and software development, to meet the growing demand for tech talent.