If passed by Parliament, the ICT Authority Bill 2024 will reshape how digital services are delivered, enhance security, and position Kenya as a leader in digital governance.
The Ministry of Information, Communications, and the Digital Economy, through a Multi-Stakeholder Committee, developed the Draft ICT Authority Bill 2024 to establish a legal framework for the creation, powers, and functions of the ICT Authority.
Speaking during a Public Validation meeting for the ICT Authority Bill, 2024 (ICTABILL2024) held on Thursday at the Kenyatta International Centre, the Chief Executive Officer of the ICT Authority, Stanley Kamanguya, said the Bill seeks to provide a legal framework that would strengthen the ICT Authority’s role in driving digital governance, infrastructure development, and cybersecurity.
The validation meeting to discuss the Bill was attended by stakeholders from government institutions and the private sector.
Kamanguya said the ICT Authority has operated under a legal notice with challenges for over a decade and that the Bill would provide a strong legal foundation to enhance digital transformation and improve service delivery in institutions.
“One of the biggest challenges in Kenya’s digital transformation has been the damage to ICT infrastructure during public works projects,” stated the CEO.
He singled out road construction, water, energy projects, fibre optic networks, and other digital infrastructures as some of the infrastructures that often suffer damage, leading to costly repairs and inefficiencies, noting that the new bill would address the challenge.
“We are proposing integrated infrastructure development, where ICT infrastructure is factored into all public works from the start. This will optimise resources and ensure a secure, reliable digital network,” Kamanguya stated.
Kamanguya observed that Kenyans have faced fragmented and frustrating digital interactions with government services for years because various government agencies have developed isolated ICT systems that do not communicate with each other, resulting in multiple instances of data collection and inefficient service delivery.
“Disjointed systems have forced citizens into multiple registrations, causing inefficiencies. This Bill aims to streamline ICT systems for a seamless and efficient service experience,” he said.
A key area of contention during public consultations was the accreditation of ICT service providers, where most private sector players raised concerns, noting that strict accreditation rules could limit competition and innovation.
The CEO acknowledged the feedback, noting that nearly 60 per cent of concerns from stakeholders centred on the issue, saying that the Bill should enable growth, not hinder innovation.
“We have removed accreditation requirements and will use ICT codes and regulations for vetting service providers,” Kamanguya assured.
He said the removal of the requirement aimed to balance accountability with transparency, thereby ensuring that government agencies could access top-tier ICT services while allowing private sector players to thrive.
The CEO pointed out that cybersecurity has become one of the biggest challenges facing Kenya’s digital transformation, adding that various government agencies currently handle cybersecurity independently, thereby creating gaps in risk management and response strategies.
“Cyber threats pose a significant risk not only to government operations but also to the entire economy,” he said.
To address the inconsistencies, Kamunguya further noted that the Bill proposed a harmonised approach, with the ICT Authority taking a leading role in supporting government agencies to secure their digital infrastructure.
The ICT Authority Bill 2024 is built on three guiding principles that will shape the future of Kenya’s digital transformation.
They include the universal digital access, which aims to ensure that all citizens, regardless of their location or background, have equal opportunities to access digital services.
This initiative seeks to create an inclusive digital ecosystem where everyone could benefit from technology, enhance connectivity, access information, and deliver public services across the country.
It also aims to create an innovation-driven public service delivery that focuses on encouraging research and technology-based solutions to enhance the quality and efficiency of government services.
The Bill will also foster public-private collaboration to foster strong partnerships between the government and the private sector to build a sustainable ICT ecosystem.
“By working together, both sectors can leverage each other’s strengths, drive innovation, and create a much more competitive digital economy while supporting long-term growth in the ICT sector,” he stated.
By Allan Wandera