At KICTANet we strive to ensure that policy making in the ICT sector adopts an open, accessible, human rights based approach that is characterized by multi-stakeholder participation. In order for policy and law making to be inclusive, the processes must be open and accessible to all stakeholders, include a diverse representation of stakeholders, be collaborative, consensus driven, evidence-based and lastly transparent and accountable. This is buttressed by Article 10 of the Constitution which requires public participation in policy and decision-making processes.
In it’s first decade, the Network operated as a listserv. In the 10 years between 2007 and 2017, over 30,500 messages were exchanged on the list. There have been over 8,000 different discussion threads. Most discussions happened between 2011 to 2013, and again in 2016. Top threads included the Vision 2030 and misplaced priorities, Hate text messages/KICA section 29, Digital migration and mass ignorance. Notably, the ICT policy discussions have had the most engagement, with over 27,000 exchanges. This confirms that KICTANet is indeed an ICT policy platform and a reservoir of critical dialogue on matters ICT policy.
Multi-stakeholder model
We have witnessed the multi-stakeholder model evolve in this country, and more so in the ICT sector which represents the best collaboration between stakeholders. This involvement of stakeholders in key policies and laws such as the ICT Policy 2006, Draft ICT Policy 2016, National Broadband Strategy, Kenya Information and Communications Act among others, are some notable examples that exemplify the multistakeholder model.
KICTANet will continue to work with all willing stakeholders to provide a multi-stakeholder platform for engagement on the pressing challenges within the ICT sector with a view to developing best practice and recommendations to advance our existing policy, legal and regulatory framework.
As a network, we appreciate the tremendous support and trust from different partners, who have continued to back our work. Further, we want to applaud all members of KICTANet for sustaining the network through sharing your valuable ICT knowledge, which has contributed into shaping ICT policy in Kenya.
The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) is the regulatory authority for the communications sector in Kenya.
Established in 1999 by the Kenya Information and Communications Act, 1998, the Authority is responsible for facilitating the development of the information and communications sectors including; broadcasting, cybersecurity, multimedia, telecommunications, electronic commerce, postal and courier services.
This responsibility entails:
Licensing all systems and services in the communications industry, including; telecommunications, postal, courier and broadcasting.
Managing the country’s frequency spectrum and numbering resources.
Facilitating the development and management of a national cyber security framework.
Facilitating the development of e-commerce.
Type approving and accepting communications equipment meant for use in the country.
Protecting consumer rights within the communications environment.
Managing competition within the sector to ensure a level playing ground for all players.
Regulating retail and wholesale tariffs for communications services.
Managing the universal access fund to facilitate access to communications services by all in Kenya.
Monitoring the activities of licensees to enforce compliance with the licence terms and conditions as well as the law.