Information Technology Landscape in Kenya

NATIONAL  ICT POLICIES

Overview

Kenya has not formulated integrated national informatics policies. Their policy activities in the recent years indicate an eager awareness of the potential of IT in the development of its’ economy. The lack of integrated policies is probably due to the political, legal and technical difficulties of formulating and implementing them. The government is optimistic about setting up national frameworks for IT development by using less difficult approaches. The Government is in the process of formulating and implementing IT sectoral policies, which would evidently bring about  increased use of IT in the country. By making use of the existing infrastructures and resources, the Government can move quickly from policy to implementation plan.

Hardware

The Government's sixth development plan (1989-1993) analyzed the IT infrastructures at the time and directed the Government on how to invest in further development. It was intended to support and make it possible to produce hardware and software as well as manpower training.

The government has policies relating to technology acquisition. In the past the main force of such policies has always been the regulation of the importation of computers. Kenya has gone through periods during which the governments activity discouraged the importation of computers on the grounds that they created unemployment. These periods were, however, relatively short-lived. The importation of computers is controlled through import controls, licensing and foreign exchange rationing. It is not obvious whether these controls are still in place in the era of structural adjustment.

Software

There is no government policy commitment to: promoting the development of the software industries; Training and Education in Software Engineering; Software Standards development; Introduction and promotion of international software houses; Provide and enforce legal protection of privacy and intellectual property of software assets. The main reason could be that there is a lack of manpower and infrastructure, for instance, reliable telecommunication systems. Telecommunication is one of the most vital infrastructures for the development of informatics. Kenya government has put in place a centralized, monumental and monopolistic organizations to establish, maintain and develop telecommunication services.

Data Banks

Kenya has taken policy strides in terms of setting up public data banks for use by policy makers. A number of information bureaus have been set up to store and provide data for planning and decision-making. This data is utilized in the formulation, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of development programmers. These centers include: Central Bureau of Statistics, Government Computer Services Center, District Information and Documentation Center, and the Ministerial Information Centers. The Government also intended to establish a Development Resource Center to develop and maintain databases designed to promote information sharing between government agencies, private institutions, and individuals.

Research and Development (R&D)

The Kenya government has no direct policy relating to R & D in informatics

Science & Technology

The Science and Technology Act (Chapter 250) established the National Council for Science and Technology (NCST) on July 1st 1977.  It is a statutory institution. The Council’s main focus is on the science and technology policies. Its’ function is to advise the Government on all aspects of science and technology, and most important on how to utilize technology to enhance the economy. The Kenya National Council for Science and Technology is directly engaged in formulating and implementing sub-sectoral policies in informatics.

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