MP Maryanne Kitany wants gov't to regulate internet charges by service providers, billing metres be introduced

Aldai Member of Parliament Maryanne Kitany has filed a motion in the National Assembly seeking to have internet billing by Internet Service Providers (ISPs) regulated by the government through the ICT Ministry.

The lawmaker argues that there is a danger that the cost of data could hinder tech and innovation in the country.

In light of the government’s prioritization of digitization and automation of government services, Kitany notes that there is a need to lower data costs to avoid the digital exclusion of a majority of Kenyans.

“As the country rapidly digitizes services and processes, the high costs of data, internet services as well as purchase of internet-enabled digital devices may lead to digital exclusion of a majority of Kenyans,” says the MP.

“Recognizing that, there is need to bridge the existing gap in ICT to ensure inclusivity in access to internet make Kenya a regional ICT hub while keeping pace with shifting technological changes; noting that, the Government's plan for a digital superhighway may not be realized without deliberate interventions to lower data costs.”

Kitany is therefore proposing to have Internet Service Providers compelled to provide users with “metered billing of internet use based on consumption” which she says will “mitigate exploitation and secure economic interests of internet users in line with Article 46 of the Constitution.”

The Aldai MP wants the ICT Ministry to require Internet Service Providers to develop and deploy quality metered billing systems capable of monitoring customer usage, convert to readable details and creating invoices based on consumption and align their metrics with the value the customers get from various internet services.

President William Ruto pledged to increase internet broadband connectivity across the country through the construction of 100,000 km of national fiber optic connectivity network as part of achieving the Kenya Digital Master Plan (2022-2030).

The government has also committed to consolidating the industrial, academic institutions and other innovators to co-invest in emerging technologies to create high-quality jobs that leverage on artificial intelligence, robotics, and other technologies.