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{
    "id": 38248,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/38248/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 98,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Mr. Godhana",
    "speaker_title": "The Assistant Minister for Information and Communications",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 23,
        "legal_name": "Dhadho Gaddae Godhana",
        "slug": "dhadho-godhana"
    },
    "content": "While competition has played a significant role in advancing the roll out of mobile services, the decision by operators to invest in various parts of the country is determined by the commercial viability of such investment. Subsequently, areas deemed to be high cost such as Kapsowar, Cheptongei, Nerkwo and Chebara towns, including my own area and many other areas in the country, have remained poorly covered by the mobile services providers. (b) Recognizing the limitation of market forces in availing communications services to all parts of the country, my Ministry, through the recently enacted Kenya Information and Communications Universal Access and Service Regulations of 2010, has established the Universal Service Fund, whose objective is to support widespread access to communication services, and complement private sector initiatives by subsidizing the cost of ICT infrastructure rollout and expansion to unserved and under-served areas. Ultimately, this should meet the universal access targets which aim to ensure that all citizens, including those living in Kapsowar, Cheptongei, Nerkwo and Chebara towns, have access to ICT services, including mobile phone services. To address the above challenges, the Government, through the Communications Commission of Kenya (CCK), has undertaken a study on ICT access gaps to determine areas in Kenya without communication services and the associated interventions required. The findings of this study have already been received, and will soon be shared with all stakeholders. We shall put in place appropriate communication strategies and mechanisms of delivering ICT services to unserved and under-served parts of the country. In implementing and operationalizing this policy, the CCK is expected to levy 0.5 per cent of the gross annual revenue or income of all licencees generating about Kshs0.5 billion with effect from the end of last month, that means this month. In addition to its commitment of Kshs1 billion to the Fund in the financial year 2011/2012, the funds generated shall be used to leverage the requisite communication infrastructure to serve populations such as those in Kapsowar, Cheptongei, Nerkwo and Chebara towns that are currently underserved. Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir."
}