The Communications Authority (CA) which is the regulatory authority for the communication sector in Kenya is set to hold an ICT consumer forum in Nyandarua County on the 7th of November.
The CA was established in 1999 by the Kenya Information and Communications Act 1998. It is responsible for facilitating the development of the information and communications sectors including; broadcasting, cybersecurity, multimedia, telecommunications, electronic commerce, postal and courier services.
The responsibilities of the CA includes;
- Licensing all systems and services in the communications industry, including; telecommunications, postal, courier and broadcasting.
- Managing the country’s frequency spectrum and numbering resources.
- Facilitating the development and management of a national cyber security framework.
- Facilitating the development of e-commerce.
- Type approving and accepting communications equipment meant for use in the country.
- Protecting consumer rights within the communications environment.
- Managing competition within the sector to ensure a level playing ground for all players.
- Regulating retail and wholesale tariffs for communications services.
- Managing the universal access fund to facilitate access to communications services by all in Kenya.
- Monitoring the activities of licensees to enforce compliance with the licence terms and conditions as well as the law.
Among the authority’s responsibilities is the protection of consumer rights within the communication environment. It carries out this part of its mandate by enforcing consumer regulations as well as educating users of these services about their rights and responsibilities.
One of the avenues that the authority uses is the County ICT consumer forums otherwise known as Kikao Kikuu. Towards this, the authority partners with County Governments to hold public forums which act as platforms for interaction between ICT consumers, the authority and service providers.
Kikao Kikuu which is basically consumer education generally aims to encourage individuals to analyze and makes value-based decisions at a personal and community level. It involves the transferability of skills conferred by consumer education. It also enables consumers make informed decisions and is known as the single most effective mechanism that provides and guarantees consumer protection.
During the Kikao Kikuu forums, stakeholders are able to discuss and explore solutions for communications challenges that are facing the counties. So far the authority has held 17 other such forums with the Nyandarua County one being the 18th, however, they intend to reach out to all counties.
If you happen to be in Nyandarua County, make a date to attend the Kikao Kikuu forum which will be happening at the Ol Kalou Stadium as from 10 am.