Local firms to be part of Sh14bn security deal
What you need to know:
- “There are serious young Kenyans who have set up middle-level companies that are involved in ICT and security. They must be given a chance,” said Mr Duale.
- At the same time, Mr Nicolas Gumbo (Rarieda, ODM) successfully introduced a recommendation that the government should urgently introduce broadband infrastructure regulations.
Safaricom will be compelled to work with local companies in the Sh14 billion security surveillance contract.
Majority Leader Adan Duale on Tuesday evening convinced his colleagues to change recommendations in the report of the Administration and National Security Committee and require the Communications Authority of Kenya to involve its board in the issuance of the 4G frequencies to Safaricom.
His main amendment was for Safaricom to have at least 30 per cent of the work done by local firms.
“There are serious young Kenyans who have set up middle-level companies that are involved in ICT and security. They must be given a chance,” said Mr Duale.
But some MPs criticised the deal on the basis of handing over such a sensitive security project to a company that is 40 per cent owned by Vodafone, a British firm.
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Mr Duale also had the report’s recommendation changed from approving the deal between the government and Safaricom to having the State proceed with the contract.
At the same time, Mr Nicolas Gumbo (Rarieda, ODM) successfully introduced a recommendation that the government should urgently introduce broadband infrastructure regulations.
He also introduced an amendment to expand the coverage of the security surveillance project beyond Nairobi and Mombasa to all 47 counties in a phased-out plan.
“We may fortify Nairobi and Mombasa but that may only succeed in making terrorists direct their attacks to other parts of the country,” said Mr Gumbo.
