ICT Industry regulator, Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) has launched Regional ICT Consumer Forums called Kikao Kikuu to create a medium for dialogue and allow for interaction with the Authority and ICT service providers.
The open forums that kicked off in Machakos County also aims at increasing consumer awareness on their rights and responsibilities with regard to ICT services and will work closely with key county opinion leaders and administrators to serve as a principal source of credible and accurate ICT information.
“The County forums will provide direct feedback mechanism from consumers. We believe that this is the best way to address key concerns affecting consumers. We call upon Machakos
County residents to actively participate in the forum,” said the CA Director General, Mr. Francis Wangusi.
Mr. Wangusi said the forums will also explore areas of partnerships and collaboration between County Governments and the Authority to drive the ICT sector forward.
Machakos County Governor Alfred Mutua said the CA’s move was in line with the major objectives of a devolved system of government Kenya is currently nurturing as provided for under the Constitution of Kenya 2010.
Dr. Mutua said the ICT sector can catapult the growth of services, reduce the cost of business and add enormous value to economic activities in Counties.
“As a County, we are ready to work together with the Communications Authority of Kenya in further harnessing the potential of ICTs. We believe ICTs will help us leapfrog economic and social developments of our region and better the living standards of our people,” he said.
The interactive forums will be rolled out in phases across the counties over the next two years. After Machakos, Kikao Kikuu will move to Nakuru and Nairobi Counties.