[kictanet] ] Kagwe pulls back another proposed law]

[alice]

Kagwe pulls back another proposed law

Story by NATION Correspondent
Publication Date: 8/23/2007

The Government yesterday withdrew the contentious Kenya Communication 
Amendment Bill 2007 from the floor of Parliament for redrafting.

Information and Communications minister Mutahi Kagwe said the Bill had 
omitted crucial issues that included cyber crime and penalties to be 
meted on those who damage fibre optic cables.

"The Bill has not sufficiently addressed the internet crimes and the 
issue of fibre optic cable protection. It will be re-introduced after it 
is properly drafted," the minister said.

Mr Kagwe noted that laws governing theft and damage of copper wires were 
too lenient to deal with the optic cable that was more expensive.

"The cable is expensive and we need to know what to do with those who 
damage and cause inconvenience to others," he said. Mr Kagwe said the 
issue of cross-media ownership would also be looked at afresh.

"We want companies that are listed at Nairobi Stock Exchange (NSE) with 
51 per cent shares held by the public and  the rule will not necessarily 
apply," Kagwe said.

At the same time, the minister said the government was determined to 
establish Universal Access Fund to enable the Information Communication 
Technology (ICT) to reach rural areas that were not economically viable 
for the operators to set up their operations.

He said this would increase the ICT coverage in the country, where only 
2.7 million use the internet.  The minister was addressing the press 
after opening the 2nd annual connecting rural communities and Africa 
forum at Grand Regency hotel. He said some of the issues being raised 
were in the current law and cited the Kenya Film Censorship.

He said the content of some FM stations had raised concerns from 
religious bodies and that their broadcast time should be reviewed.

"There is an outcry by the Christian and Muslim religions and that is 
why we want the Media Council where such complaints can be directed," Mr 
Kagwe said.

 



	
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