[kictanet] Digital villages

[George Nyabuga]

In January 2007, the Nation published the story (below) indicating that
the government was in the process of setting up digital villages across
the country. What happened to these digital villages and plans? Dr Bitange
Ndemo, Paul Kokubo and others were reported to have been driving this
process. But as far as I know there are hardly any 'digital villages' in
the 210 constituencies. Empty promises?

George


Story by JUSTUS ONDARI
Publication Date: 8/01/2007

Several communication firms will jointly set up hubs in villages around
the country, in project meant to close the huge gap in Internet access
between rural and urban areas.
In the first phase of the programme, Telkom Kenya, Kenya Data Network and
Popote Wireless will each establish digital villages in 54 constituencies
under an initiative that aims to cover the remaining 156 constituencies by
December this year.
The Government will subsidise broadband access for the villages under a
Sh670 million World Bank loan, that seeks to stimulate demand for
broadband uptake over a three year period. Entrepreneurs will get credit
through the Youth Fund to buy the locally assembled computers going for an
average of Sh25,000 a piece. The initiative, known as Rural Digital
Village “Marshall Plan”, also aims to rope in mobile service providers,
Safaricom and Celtel Kenya.
The two have already agreed, in principal, to take part in the first phase
of the programme, said Mr Peter Kimacia, one of the coordinators of the
initiative. Mr Kimacia is the chief executive of ICTvillage.com, an
industry-driven Web site and business lobby that aims to make Kenya the
information and communication technology (ICT) hub of Africa.
“At the end of Phase Two of the initiative in December 2008, each of the
telecommunications service providers will have at least a digital village
in all the 210 constituencies in the country,” he said.
He was speaking at the Nairobi Serena Hotel during the launch of the
initiative.
Launching the concept, Information and Communications permanent secretary,
Bitange Ndemo said each of the constituencies will have a digital centre,
two digital schools, and four digital kiosks within the next 100 days
under what he called a “Rapid Results Response”.
A digital centre will have between 10 and 20 computers, while a digital
school will have five to 10 computers, and a digital kiosk one to five
computers.
Also present at the launch were Information and Communication Assistant
minister David Were and permanent secretaries David Nalo (Trade and
Industry), and Kinuthia Murugu (Youth Affairs).
The programme will be overseen by the newly appointed Kenya Information
and Communication Technology Board chaired by Ms Catherine Ngahu, and
managing director, Paul Kokubo of 3Mice Interactive Media Limited.
The villages will offer services like data collection, cyber cafes,
training and merchandising. Other services are business outsourcing,
franchising and bureau services.



-- 
Dr George Nyabuga
Associate Director
School of Journalism & Mass Communication
University of Nairobi
Education Building
Harry Thuku Road
PO Box 30197 - 00100
Nairobi, Kenya
Tel: +254(0)20 318262 Fax: +254(0)20 2229168
Mobile: +254 (0)72151 6573
Email: gnyabuga at uonbi.ac.ke, gnyabuga at yahoo.co.uk
www.uonbi.ac.ke



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