The Computer Society of Kenya

Since 1986

Fibre-opticDAILY NATION By FAITH NYAMAI

Tuesday March 17, 2015

County governments have been urged to waive way-leave fees for those laying fibre optic cables to pave way for high-speed internet connectivity.

Information, Communication and Technology (ICT) Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i on Monday said this would also attract more investors in the ICT sector across the counties.

Speaking in Nyeri town when he paid a courtesy call on Governor Nderitu Gachagua, Dr Matiang’i said Nyeri County was the first region to introduce the waiver to enable investors who are laying fibre optic cables across the country to do their work freely.

“As a result of that decision, I’m aware that several private players in the ICT sector are laying fibre optic cables across the county without being bothered with high fees being charged for their work,” said Dr Matiang’i.

Mid-last year, the county government announced the waiver as a way of encouraging ICT compliance across the county.

Mr Gachagua said the waiver was intended to aid in improving service delivery to residents of the county.

Dr Matiang’i called upon other governors to emulate Nyeri County.

“Other governors in the country should follow this example, as we in the ICT sector are very happy when we deal with counties that are supportive, responsive and focused on the development of ICT infrastructure,” said the CS.

He said Nyeri was one of the counties his ministry was partnering with in developing new ICT road maps that will see county governments develop their own integrated plans so that they are able to address the needs of their people effectively.

The CS later visited Dedan Kimathi University of Technology where he opened an innovation lab.

He said mutual partnership between the university and the county government was key to innovations, which are intended to help in solving challenges facing the county and boost its economy.

Dedan Kimathi University’s vice-chancellor, Prof Ndirangu Kioni, said the technology iHub will make teaching, learning and educational administration at the university effective.

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