Kenya Leverages ICTs to Combat COVID-19 - 18/05/2020
Communications Authority of Kenya
TELECOM/ICT Policy Makers and Regulators | Africa | Kenya
The Kenya Government has instituted a raft of measures geared towards containing the spread of Covid-19. The Ministry of Health runs a toll-free short code to provide public information on the Coronavirus. The local media are airing Public Service Announcements (PSAs) on the Coronavirus at no cost. The use of cashless transactions such as mobile money and credit cards is being encouraged to minimize the risk of transmission. ICTs, including postal/courier, telecoms and media services, have been designated as essential services. Guidelines on virtual working have been enacted allowing public and private sector employees to work from home. The Judiciary is delivering judgments virtually. E-learning and educational broadcasts have become the norm following closure of educational institutions. The ICT regulator, Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) has unveiled a number of regulatory measures to complement Government efforts toward combating the Covid-19 pandemic. Broadcasters are now required to air Ministry of Health Public Service Announcements (PSA) at no cost. As at May 10, more than 43,000 PSAs had been aired. Regulatory fees for toll-free numbers for public and private entities offering Covid-19 related advisories have been waived. Service providers are required to enhance the capacity of their networks to enable increased access to voice, data and Internet services. To meet increased demand for data and Internet services during this period, the Authority has offered additional spectrum resources to mobile operators and other service providers. Courier operators have been requested to temporarily lower their tariffs to encourage home deliveries in the wake of enhanced uptake of e-commerce. The National Computer Incident Response Coordination Centre also identifies fake news on the pandemic and issues regular advisories to the public. First responders in Government and health agencies can now access communication services at times of possible network congestion to ensure continued provision of emergency services.

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