Kenya now has 32 million internet users, making it an internet leader in the region, Information, Communication and Technology (ICT) Cabinet Secretary Joe Mucheru has said.Mr Mucheru said out every 100 Kenyans, 72 people have access to internet services. The CS made the remarks at a Nairobi hotel on May 16, 2015, during a Conference on the role of ICT in supporting Kenya’s achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Kenya now has 32 million internet users, making it an internet leader in the region, Information, Communication and Technology (ICT) Cabinet Secretary Joe Mucheru has said.Mr Mucheru said out every 100 Kenyans, 72 people have access to internet services. The CS made the remarks at a Nairobi hotel on May 16, 2015, during a Conference on the role of ICT in supporting Kenya’s achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Mr Mucheru attributed the growth in internet usage in Kenya to continued investment by the government in developing and expanding ICT infrastructure and formulation of investor friendly policies. “There are nearly 38 million mobile phone subscribers in the country – an indication that majority of Kenyans are able to communicate and access information to transact business and carry out other social commitments,” he said.
Mr Mucheru underscored the government’s commitment to the development and the deployment of ICT to enhance the attainment of the SDGs to promote a vibrant economy, quality standards of living for citizens and efficient public service delivery.
He said Kenya’s Vision 2030 Master-Plan captures the aspirations of the SDGs that are aimed at generating wealth, providing universal education, accessible and affordable health care and good infrastructure for sustainable economic growth.
He said the government has initiated a process to review the ICT policy to respond to the needs of the rapidly growing ICT sector. Mr Mucheru stated that the document has been presented to stakeholders for their input and hoped that the policy will be finalized by June this year.
He observed that the ICT revolution has been able to facilitate the use of electronic health record (EHR) systems and electronic prescription in the health sector. This, he noted, has reduced expenditure on administrative and operating costs and enhanced security and protection of patient data.Mr Mucheru reiterated that the use of ICT has also played an important role in efforts towards self- sufficiency in food production.
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