Ministry of ICT Hosts Stakeholder Workshop to Validate Proposed Sector Regulations
The Ministry of Information, Communications and the Digital Economy convened a three-day stakeholder validation workshop on the proposed Kenya Information and Communications Regulations, marking a key milestone in the ongoing review of the regulatory framework governing Kenya's communications sector.
The engagement, held in collaboration with the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) this past week, sought to present to stakeholders the findings of the initial consultation exercise, invite additional feedback and consider outstanding matters as the proposed regulations progress through the remaining stages of the statutory process.
Speaking at the workshop, the Principal Secretary for the State Department for Broadcasting and Telecommunications, Mr. Stephen Isaboke, termed the validation forum an important step in ensuring the regulatory framework is fit-for-purpose and responsive to the emerging realities of a rapidly changing ICT ecosystem.
"The communications landscape has changed significantly since many of the existing regulations were developed. We are witnessing continuing technological convergence, new business models and digital services, increased demand for connectivity, changing patterns of content creation and consumption, and growing expectations from consumers and industry alike. Our regulatory framework must therefore remain relevant, responsive, predictable and capable of supporting innovation and investment while protecting the public interest," said Mr. Isaboke.
CA Director General Mr. David Mugonyi emphasized that stakeholder engagement would foster predictability of the regulatory framework while creating a conducive environment for investment, innovation and sustainable growth in the sector. "New technologies, changing business models, emerging services and evolving consumer expectations require a regulatory framework that is responsive, predictable and capable of supporting continued growth and innovation," Mr. Mugonyi noted.
The review covers a broad range of regulatory areas under the Kenya Information and Communications Act, 1998, including licensing, broadcasting, postal and courier services, spectrum management, numbering, type approval, interconnection, tariffs, competition, consumer protection, universal access and service, infrastructure sharing, electronic certification, domain names, and compliance and enforcement.
Other key players in the review process include the Office of the Attorney-General, the Kenya Law Reform Commission, and the National Communications Secretariat, among others.