Parliament Pushes for Cheaper Internet Access in Digital Hubs Across Kenya: A Focus on Innovation and Competition

The Kenyan government is seeking to enhance internet accessibility for its citizens. Parliament is leading efforts to introduce cheaper internet services, especially in the country’s constituencies, through the establishment of digital hubs. The push comes amid the ongoing debate surrounding the entry of new players into Kenya’s internet market, notably the U.S.-based Starlink, and its potential impact on the existing telecommunications landscape.

This article delves into the recent discussions by the Parliamentary Committee on Communication, Innovation, and Information, focusing on their push for affordable internet access through digital hubs. The committee’s views on competition, innovation, and consumer protection, as well as its collaborative efforts with various stakeholders, paint a picture of Kenya’s rapidly evolving ICT sector.

The Demand for Cheaper Internet: A National Priority

Kenya has positioned itself as a hub of technological advancement in East Africa, with an increasing reliance on the internet for commerce, education, governance, and social interaction. However, despite significant strides in expanding internet connectivity, many parts of the country, particularly in rural and underserved areas, remain unconnected or struggle with the high cost of data. This digital divide has prompted the government to explore new avenues to make internet access more affordable and widespread.

The Parliamentary Committee on Communication, Innovation, and Information has expressed its support for introducing new players into Kenya’s internet market, with the goal of increasing competition and driving down prices. At the core of the committee’s agenda is the development of digital hubs in each of Kenya’s constituencies, aimed at providing affordable and reliable internet access to communities. This initiative is part of a broader government strategy to empower youth, support education, and facilitate digital learning.

Dagoreti South Member of Parliament, John Kiarie, who chairs the committee, has been vocal about the benefits of increasing competition in the telecommunications sector. He highlighted the potential positive disruption that Starlink’s entry into the market could bring, particularly in lowering internet prices for consumers. “Competition is healthy, as consumers end up benefiting from better services and lower internet rates, and innovation brings with it disruption,” he stated during a press briefing at Enashipai Spa in Naivasha.

Starlink’s Entry: A Boon or a Threat?

The entry of U.S.-based Starlink, a satellite internet provider founded by Elon Musk, has sparked debate within Kenya’s telecommunications industry. Starlink’s arrival promises faster and more reliable internet services, especially in remote areas where fiber-optic cables and other traditional infrastructure are lacking. However, this potential game-changer has not come without resistance.

Safaricom, Kenya’s largest telecommunications company, has voiced concerns about the potential disruption Starlink could cause in the market. With its dominant position, Safaricom has enjoyed a relatively unchallenged reign over the country’s internet market for years. The company warned that Starlink’s presence could create an unlevel playing field, especially if regulatory oversight is insufficient.

In response, Kiarie emphasized the committee’s commitment to ensuring that all players, new and existing, are vetted thoroughly to protect consumers’ rights and ensure compliance with Kenyan laws. “The entry of the new player would lead to a reduction in internet charges, a move that is popular among Kenyans,” he said. He acknowledged that while innovation and competition are necessary, it is equally important to safeguard consumer data and guarantee fair practices.

Legislative Support for Digital Hubs

The establishment of digital hubs across Kenya’s 1,450 constituencies has gained considerable traction in Parliament, thanks to strong legislative backing and collaboration with the National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF). These hubs, according to Kiarie, will be equipped by the national government and constructed by the NG-CDF, providing communities with access to digital services and training. The initiative is expected to bridge the digital divide, especially in rural areas, and support the government’s efforts to create a digitally inclusive economy.

Nominated MP Irene Nyakerario underscored the importance of digital hubs, calling them a “game changer” in addressing youth unemployment. By providing internet access and digital training, these hubs are seen as a critical tool for empowering the country’s young population. “We are working with stakeholders to identify the policy gaps in the ICT sector even as we empower our youths to free the internet,” Nyakerario stated, highlighting the committee’s commitment to addressing the challenges faced by the ICT sector.

The digital hubs initiative aligns with Kenya’s Vision 2030, which envisions a globally competitive and prosperous nation driven by digital transformation. The hubs are expected to offer a wide range of services, including access to e-learning platforms, government services, and opportunities for innovation and entrepreneurship.

Challenges in the ICT Sector: Archaic Laws and Policy Gaps

While Kenya’s ICT sector has grown exponentially in recent years, it continues to face challenges stemming from outdated policies and regulations. Many of the laws governing the sector were crafted before the internet became a central part of the country’s socio-economic fabric, making them inadequate for the current digital age. As a result, the Parliamentary Committee on Communication, Innovation, and Information has prioritized reviewing and updating these laws to support innovation and development.

John Kiarie emphasized the need to address these outdated policies, stating that they were hindering the growth of the ICT sector. “We are working on reviewing all archaic laws and policies in the ICT sector, as they are hindering development,” he said. The committee’s review process will focus on ensuring that the legal framework governing the ICT sector is aligned with contemporary technological advancements and market dynamics.

Among the stakeholders calling for these changes is Fiona Asonga, CEO of the Technology Service Providers Association of Kenya (TESPOK). She echoed the committee’s concerns, emphasizing the need for a regulatory environment that fosters innovation while ensuring consumer protection. “It’s time to update these laws to match the pace of technological innovation,” Asonga remarked.

Collaborative Efforts for Digital Learning and Connectivity

As the government works towards establishing digital hubs, partnerships with private sector players have become crucial in expanding internet access and supporting digital learning. Huawei, a leading global provider of ICT infrastructure, has taken a proactive role in this effort, collaborating with the Ministry of ICT to connect schools to free internet.

Engineer Maureen Mwaniki from Huawei shared the company’s commitment to bridging the digital divide, noting that 30 schools across the country had already been connected to free internet, including six schools that cater to special needs students. “This is part of digital learning as part of improving learning,” Mwaniki said, emphasizing the role of connectivity in enhancing education.

The provision of free internet to schools is particularly significant in a country where many students face barriers to accessing online learning resources. By equipping schools with internet connectivity, the government and its partners are not only supporting digital education but also creating opportunities for students to develop the skills needed to thrive in a digital world.

Conclusion: A Vision for a Digitally Connected Kenya

Kenya’s drive to establish digital hubs in all constituencies reflects the government’s broader vision of creating a digitally inclusive economy. The push for cheaper internet, supported by the entry of new players like Starlink, is expected to lower costs and improve service delivery, benefiting both consumers and businesses. However, this must be accompanied by careful regulation and oversight to ensure that competition remains fair and that consumer data is protected.

As Parliament works to update outdated ICT laws and close policy gaps, the country stands at the cusp of a digital revolution that could transform every facet of society, from education to entrepreneurship. The digital hubs, in particular, hold great promise for empowering Kenya’s youth and providing them with the tools they need to participate in the global digital economy.

The ongoing discussions in Parliament and the collaborative efforts between government, private sector players, and other stakeholders underscore the importance of digital connectivity in shaping Kenya’s future. With the right policies in place and a commitment to innovation, Kenya is poised to become a leader in digital transformation across the African continent.