Team formed to help close gap in ICT access
Information, Communications and Technology Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i speaks to the Press outside a Nairobi hotel on May 23, 2014. PHOTO | DENISH OCHIENG | FILE
What you need to know:
- The Universal Service Advisory Council will provide policy guidance in implementation of the resources meant to subsidise the cost of ICT.
- The fund is primarily financed through contributions by licensed operators, the Communications Authority and other sources.
A team that will help the government achieve universal access to affordable telecommunications services has been formed.
The Universal Service Advisory Council will provide policy guidance in implementation of the resources meant to subsidise the cost of information communication technology in Kenya.
“I believe we’ve the best people with the right expertise for the job,” Information, Communications and Technology Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i said during the event.
The members who were appointed on May 9, 2014 for a period of three years include; Catherine Ngahu (chairperson), Josephine Towett, James Wangiros, Rodah Masaviru, J Kennedy Okong’o, Nixon Gecheo, Wellington Godo, Samuel Mutungi, and Michael Itote.
In spite of the rapid growth of ICT services in the country, the disparity in availability and access to telecoms services between rural and urban areas continues to widen, said Dr Matiang’i.
“While the private sector has an important role to play in meeting universal access, there is need for government to promote investments in un-served and underserved areas through various initiatives including Universal Service Fund,” he added.
The fund will play a key role in subsidising the cost of ICT infrastructure rollout and expansion in areas that have little or no coverage.
The fund is primarily financed through contributions by licensed operators, the Communications Authority and other sources. In 2013/2014 financial year, the authority injected Sh1 billion into the fund.
