[kictanet] Updates on the Operationalization of the Universal Service Fund

Wed Jan 18 12:29:42 EAT 2017

Dear Rachel,

Thank you for sharing.

A lot more has to be done to create incentives for connectivity even in
economically "non-viable" areas to ensure that no part is left behind and
it is safe to say that the connectivity of these areas could actually spur
economic growth.

The most critical query however is in regards to how much is held in the
fund and what is remaining. It is appreciated that all the above details
have been shared in regards to the research and the implementation carried
out so far, but it would be great to have all these backed by the numbers
in regards to how the funds are utilised. This will enable us to know if
the fund can adequately cater for our immediate future needs or if we need
to think of other ways of bolstering the fund.

Kind regards,

Rosemary Koech-Kimwatu.

On 18 Jan 2017 05:34, "Ali Hussein via kictanet" <
kictanet at lists.kictanet.or.ke> wrote:

> Rachel
>
> Thank you for the comprehensive report. I'm curious:-
>
> *Table 2: Sub-location population 3G coverage*
>
> *Coverage*
>
> *100%*
>
> *>90%*
>
> *50% - 90%*
>
> *< 50%*
>
> *0%*
>
> *Sub-locations*
>
> *2,454*
>
> *1,324*
>
> *1,146*
>
> *977*
>
> *1,244*
>
>
> If you look at the above table and go down to specific counties you will
> agree with me that High Speed Internet is still a rumour in many areas of
> the country. I want to pay special attention to the counties below where we
> have less than 50% 3G coverage.
>
> *Table 4: Estimated 2G and 3G Network coverage by County*
>
>
>
> *County*
>
> *2G (%)*
>
> *3G (%)*
>
> Baringo
>
> 87.7
>
> 49.1
>
>
>
>
> Elegeyo Marakwet
> 97.1 34.7
>
> Garissa
>
> 58.1
>
> 4.6
>
>
>
>
> Isiolo
>
> 54.7
>
> 16.4
>
> Kajiado
>
> 74.4
>
> 38.9
>
>
>
>
> Kilifi
>
> 91.9
>
> 51.5
>
>
>
>
> Kitui
>
> 89.2
>
> 49.8
>
> Kwale
>
> 91.5
>
> 46.4
>
> Laikipia
>
> 90.8
>
> 48.9
>
> Lamu
>
> 82.4
>
> 34.4
>
>
>
>
> Mandera
>
> 66.9
>
> 9.4
>
> marsabit
>
> 56.6
>
> 25.2
>
>
>
>
> Narok
>
> 86.7
>
> 29.9
>
>
>
>
> Samburu
>
> 55.5
>
> 14.0
>
>
>
>
> Taita-Taveta
>
> 96.4
>
> 43.4
>
> Tana River
>
> 85.8
>
> 12.8
>
>
>
>
> Turkana
>
> 34.8
>
> 10.2
>
>
>
>
> Wajir
>
> 48.2
>
> 8.4
>
> West pokot
>
> 69.0
>
> 13.3
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> In the current era of eCizitenship where a lot of government services are
> moving online are we not disenfranchising a huge swath of the country?
>
>
> My comments questions are:-
>
>
> 1. Are the above statistics realistic in the true sense of the word? What
> I mean is this:-
>
> If you take Garissa, Wajir and Mandera where coverage is less than 10% I
> wonder whether taking into account huge parts of these counties (or any
> other county for that matter) that are probably not inhabited is realistic?
> Wouldn't it be more realistic to  take account coverage in areas where
> there is a sizable population?
>
>
> 2. In counties like Kilifi, Lamu and Kwale where reliable connectivity is
> a joke a few miles from the county headquarters it would be good to hear
> from the USF what they intend to do about this. Whilst empowering a few
> schools with connectivity is a great idea I think we are missing out on
> great opportunities and progress where we lack high speed Internet.
>
>
> 3. How are we doing in lighting up the dark fiber that is NOFBI? What
> incentives are there for the likes of Safaricom, Liquid, Jamii, Airtel,
> Orange and the mushrooming community ISPs to give them the push to unleash
> broadband in the furthest corners of this country?
>
>
> 4. How much is currently sitting in the USF? What is the utilization
> levels, burn rates and the efficacy of the projects they have undertaken?
> In short can we a financial statements from the beginning to date?
>
>
> 5. Lastly, as we work hard to cover this country with Broadband can the
> USF consider offering WiFi zones of high speed Internet in EVERY COUNTY at
> hugely subsidized prices to enable citizens access eGovernment Services? A
> good place to start would be in ALL Huduma Centres and say within a 3 km
> radio of every Huduma Centre?
>
>
> Thank you Rachel for showing us how community engagement by a Government
> Agency can enhance collaboration and shed light on issues of strategic
> interest to the country.
>
> *Ali Hussein*
> *Principal*
> *Hussein & Associates*
> +254 0713 601113
>
> Twitter: @AliHKassim
>
> Skype: abu-jomo
>
> LinkedIn: http://ke.linkedin.com/in/alihkassim
>
> "We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, therefore, is not an act but a
> habit."  ~ Aristotle
>
>
> Sent from my iPad
>
> On 17 Jan 2017, at 12:09 PM, Alwala, Rachel via kictanet <
> kictanet at lists.kictanet.or.ke> wrote:
>
> *Table 2: Sub-location population 3G coverage *
>
> *Coverage *
>
> *100%*
>
> *>90%*
>
> *50% - 90%*
>
> *< 50%*
>
> *0%*
>
> *Sub-locations*
>
> *2,454*
>
> *1,324*
>
> *1,146*
>
> *977*
>
> *1,244*
>
>
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