Introduction CHAPTER ONE 1.0 Introduction Over the past decade, the Government has initiated and adopted several policies, laws and regulations to guide the growth of information and communication technology (ICT) in order to harness its potential for socioeconomic development. However, the convergence in the modern technology requires continuous review of the policy and legal frameworks to accommodate technological changes for maximum utilisation of ICT’s potential and benefits. ICT advances over the past few decades have seen the convergence of broadcasting, telecommunications, computing and content. The developments have changed the way business is conducted, facilitated learning and knowledge sharing, generated new global information flows, empowered citizens and communities, resulting in a global information society. Increasingly, ICT is playing the central catalytic role in pushing the development process forward and boosting the efficiency of the increasingly integrated global economy. In industrial countries, it is widely acknowledged to be the engine of economic growth and directly linked to productivity. Consequently, countries that have harnessed the ICT potential have attained significant social and economic development. The Government of Kenya is, therefore, committed to creating an enabling environment for members of the public to access information as provided for in Chapter 35 (1) (a) of the Constitution of Kenya. Kenya has always been among the leaders in the region in the deployment of ICT. The country’s capacity to develop as a leading ICT hub will determine the future success of Kenya in enhancing its competitiveness in the regional and global economy, and improving the quality of life of its people. However, this will only be achieved through application of international best practices in the use of ICT in all aspects and sectors of its economy. Since most industrial countries and many developing nations have already set out to become leading regional and global ICT hubs, it is essential that a high level of priority and commitment by the Government and the private sector of Kenya is given to fast-track the successful implementation of the Strategic Plan so that the objectives set-out above are achieved. Success in achieving this objective requires sustained effort in setting policies, devising strategies, and adopting standards that ensure the full potential of ICT to be harnessed so as to meet the present and future social, economic and cultural sustainable development aspirations of the people of Kenya. The Government has recognised the importance of ICT in stimulating national development, in particular, modernisation and globalisation of the economy, and creating a platform for participation by all sections of the population. In this context, the Government has initiated the process of developing a comprehensive National ICT Policy. This policy document serves to guide ICT development, access and its utilisation on a national scale to meet the challenges of the information age. It will also lay the foundation for the development of a comprehensive ICT Master Plan. 1.1 Vision, Mission, Mandate and Core Values. 1.1.1 Vision Kenya as a globally competitive knowledge-based economy. 1.1.2 Mission To facilitate universal access to ICT infrastructure and services all over the country. 1