The President said his Government has initiated a range of policy measures and so far, the e-government policy is being implemented.
"E-government will enhance communication between government and its people who are the consumers of its services," said Kibaki in Isiolo on Tuesday. He said the use of Information Technology will further improve management and manner of operation.
The Head of State also said telephone services will be expanded following the signing of an agreement between Kenya and China.
He said the deal, Implementation of Rural Telecommunication Development Programme, was sealed during his recent visit to China.
The president said plans to implement the strategy which will see electronic provision of service to the public by government officers are already underway.
"The e-government will not only ensure that there is effective and smooth delivery of services but, also that the Government activities are transparent," he said.
He said IT was poised to exploit unexplored potential, create more job opportunities for the youth and increase investments.
The President, at the same time, said that the Communications Commission of Kenya (CCK) had established a new, more unified structure in which major internet providers have the mandate to have their own gateways.
Under the new system, the President said, Internet providers can now be licensed to have international gateways which improve their effectiveness and competitiveness.
Additional mobile phone service providers, he added, will be licensed as there was a very huge potential of residents in rural areas.
He promised to support the integration of e-education in schools, saying it will not only bridge the digital gap but also empower learners to acquire skills to make them more competitive in the job market.
He said that the Government will also construct boarding schools in arid areas.
Autor: Amos Kareithi and Ali Abdi
Quelle: The Standard, 29.09.2005
