Existing global inequalities must not be perpetuated by the digital advancements

Kenya, being a regional and continental leader in the digital race, is calling for equity in the structuring of the global digital economy.

Hon. John Kiarie MP, Dagoretti South, the Chair of the National Assembly’s Departmental Committee on Communication, Information and Innovation made his presentation at the Standing Committee on Peace and International Security of the Inter-Parliamentary Union on a debate themed “Cyberattacks and Cybercrimes – The new risks to global security.” during the 146th Inter-Parliamentary Union General Assembly in Bahrain.

Kiarie said that the perpetuation of global inequalities including the online space is a form of economic attack that shouldn’t be propelled further.

Kenya is at the moment working on the automation of massive government services. There are plans to establish an ICT Infrastructure that will see about 100,000 KM of fiber optic cables. We are developing Wi-Fi hotspots in markets and rural areas”, said Hon. Kiarie.

He indicated that Kenya has made tremendous progress in legislation that relates to ICT and Communication including, the Kenya Information and Communication Act, the Kenya Data Protection and Privacy Bill, and the computer misuse and Cybercrime Bill among other laws in the sector.

He called on the convention to consider economic protection by establishing proper mechanisms and conventions to regulate online trade that promote economic equality in the digital space.