The Committee on Communication, Information and Innovation (CII) has engaged with Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA) and key industry players to zero in on practical fixes that turn policy promises into real economic outcomes.

Committee Chair, Hon. John Kiarie, pointed out three interlocking areas including the myth of “free” Wi-Fi, private-public investment synergy and the work needed on data protection and information integrity.

The Committee called out misplaced expectations that connectivity and use is cost-free. Members flagged the need to shape realistic policy incentives that expand access without undercutting sustainable business models. It was agreed that policies must enable wider access while preserving the economics that allow providers to scale and maintain networks.

Stakeholders urged clearer mechanisms for private investment to amplify government efforts. Technologies arrive with promise, the Committee noted, but without a deployment strategy they remain pilot projects. CII pressed for structures that align risk, reward and regulatory certainty so private sector resources can plug real gaps. Examples shared were from last-mile connectivity to resilient port and power infrastructure that underpins digital industry.

Ms. Immaculate Kassait of the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner stressed that data privacy is everyone’s business. The Commissioner highlighted a growing partnership with KEPSA including joint trainings and reported that roughly 80% of reported cases brought to the office have been addressed. They highlighted the importance of companies embedding themselves with the use and effects of Data Protection, giving an example of “conditional consent” practices (e.g., automatic consent for image use upon entry to a premise), which the Commissioner warned risks normalizing weak privacy practices.

Hon. Mark Nyamita pushed for embedding youth into data ecosystems, turning opportunities into careers, and spoke on the focus by legislators to bootstrap curricula and incentives that create a pipeline of talent.

Certified network operators described rampant fibre vandalism and illegal infrastructure roll-outs by unscrupulous actors. The Committee signalled intent to craft protections that shield lawful investors, securing jobs, taxes and service continuity.

The conversation continues tomorrow as stakeholders engage the Speaker’s panel led by the Speaker of the National Assembly, Rt. Hon. (Dr.) Moses Wetang’ula.