Powering Universal Connectivity!
June 24– It is the desire for all technology innovators to transform an ingenious idea into a sustainable and successful business that provides existing and future solutions. This needs the government to intervene in offering an enabling environment consisting of but not limited to policy, guidelines, trustworthy infrastructure as well as ensuring universal service.
The Federal government has a role in ensuring all underserved areas are provided with internet access. This entails creating universal service and universal access funds to fund different investment sections of service delivery to the population. Universal quality services promote the development of local private business communities by offering appropriate communication tools to facilitate interaction and exchange of goods and services with remote business communities.
Providing ICT services in underserved and unserved areas presents significant challenges, especially where private operators are reluctant to invest due to uncertainty around returns. To address this gap, universal access efforts need to ensure that services meet crucial parameters. Affordability is vital; ICT services must be reasonably priced to enable a large portion of the population, especially in low-income areas, to access and use them consistently. Accessibility is also crucial; service points must be located as close as possible to end-users, including people with disabilities, to promote inclusivity. In addition, availability must be ensured through continuous access to ICT services, which requires investment in robust and redundant infrastructure for business continuity. Sustainability is another essential factor; ICT access points should be designed and maintained for long-term use, supported by regular assessments and adaptable systems that ensure ongoing relevance and functionality. Lastly, quality of service should be maintained across all areas; communities in underserved regions should have the same high standards of connectivity and service as those in well-served zones. Fulfilling these parameters helps bridge the digital divide and promotes inclusive socioeconomic development.
By promoting ICT for development, technological innovations drive the universal use of ICT applications in social, cultural, and economic-oriented programs to enhance the standard of life of local communities, particularly in rural areas focusing on E-Health, E-Education, e-governance, e-learning, and e-commerce. As a Development Financing Organization, Kenya Development Corporation (KDC) focuses on providing affordable finances for investments in technological advancements across value chains within the Government sector of focus with significant positive impact on social economic transformation, low carbon print anchored on sustainable and secure universal and quality ICT services.
Herman Gacugi is Risk Management and Compliance Manager at Kenya Development Corporation.
