1. ICT in Kenya By Evans Nyangari (Kabarak University, Nakuru – KENYA)
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 est.): $1,500
Literacy:78.1% total, 86.3% male, 70% female (1995 est.)
Life Expectancy:46.57 male, 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 ( 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 –