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ICT in Kenya

ICT in Kenya. By Evans Nyangari (Kabarak University, Nakuru – KENYA) enyangari@kabarak.ac.ke 4 th Sep 2004, Joensuu University - Finland. Content. Brief Background ICT facts – Kenya Kabarak University National Challenges Conclusion Open discussion. Geographical Location.

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ICT in Kenya

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  1. ICT in Kenya By Evans Nyangari (Kabarak University, Nakuru – KENYA) enyangari@kabarak.ac.ke 4th Sep 2004, Joensuu University - Finland

  2. Content • Brief Background • ICT facts – Kenya • Kabarak University • National Challenges • Conclusion • Open discussion

  3. Geographical Location

  4. Some facts - Kenya • Pop: 31M (July 2001 est.) • Area: 582,650 sq Km • GDP (per capita- 2000 est.): $1,500 • Literacy:78.1% total, 86.3% male, 70% female (1995 est.) • Life Expectancy:46.57 male, 48.44 female (2001 est.) • Languages:English (official), Kiswahili (official), numerous indigenous languages

  5. ICT Environment in Kenya • Beginning 1948 – EAPTC serving Kenya,Tanzania,Uganda • Split up in 1977 – KP&TC formed • Telkom Kenya formed 1998 (Telephony and Telecommunications • Network - 95% automatic, 54% digital, Optic cable between major towns • VSAT, Packet Switching, leased lines, and international telephony (including Voice on IP)are all under the monopoly of Telkom

  6. ICT Statistics Kenya • 1 in 4 have a radio (Africa) • 1 in 13 have a TV (Africa) • 1 in 100 have a fixed-telephone (Kenya) • 1 in 21 have a mobile phone( Kenya) • 1 in 2000 have a PC (Kenya) • 1 in 64 use the Internet (Kenya) • 44 local ISP providers (2000) – utilize one International Internet backbone (Jambonet – Telkom monopoly) • 4000 PCs in the Kenya Government – 1 in 60 employees

  7. Kabarak University • Location: 20km off Nakuru town • Founded 2001 – first intake 2002 • 3 Faculties - Science, Communication and Technology - Commerce - Theology and Education • The current student population is about 230 • Computer Science Department has 75 students

  8. Computing resources • 3 computing laboratories: • With the following capacities 40, 35,15 • Compaq Pentium IV 1.7Ghz, 128MB RAM, 20GB HD, 15” screen • OS : Windows XP Pro. • In addition to workstations the department has several high-end servers: • Backup server • Campus-wide high-speed network (Fast Ethernet LANs, ATM backbone) with Internet access via JAMBONET • The department has many miscellaneous peripherals and other items: • printers (color and b&w)

  9. Challenges – Kabarak • Need to finalize and implement our internal ICT policy • It is estimated that there are about 5,500 ICT professionals in Kenya ( 1 in 5000) • Location – 170Km from Nairobi, capital city • Internet connection – bandwidth at 64mbs for over 115 terminals • Low wages • Industry experience – 45 Software houses • Need R&D Department that can work closely with the industry and partner Universities

  10. Challenges • Mass introduction of computer training is hampered by: • High costs of the equipment and software (<$4 a day) • Poor infrastructure e.g. telephone and electrical grid • Lack of trained teachers in the subject (300-500 grad) • Lack of relevant software for computer assisted learning • Low awareness • High cost of training

  11. Conclusion • We urgently need a National ICT policy • Need a more transparent regulatory framework in the telecommunication sector • Need a comprehensive computer training policy • Develop and implement ICT awareness programmes that are within our context in virtually all sectors References: • Technology Kenya – Nairobi, Aug 17 (IPS) 2004 • Africa Focus Bulletin – May 6, 2004 – www.africafocus.org

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