Gov’t wants all cybercafés fitted with CCTV surveillance, users identified

I would like to put a human face to the issue of regulating ICT/cyber
cafes. In the story by Citizen TV, “From USA to Dandora dumpsite: The story
of 19-year-old Andrew” two ICT-related issues stood out for me:

1. John (Andrew’s rescuer/mentor) used to watch movies at his friend’s
cyber cafe. This is how he improved his English (Access, ICT and education).

2. Andrew would like to venture into the music industry. He would like
access to a recording studio. There are ICT products and AI tools that can
help him begin his journey. (Digital economy).

As the regulators seek to do their job, my hope is that they will keep
these two young men and thousands of other young Kenyans in mind.

Regards,
Mildred Achoch.

On Thursday, January 9, 2025, Barrack Otieno via KICTANet <
[email protected]> wrote:

> Hi Victor,
>
> If the License fees are zero then it will make sense otherwise regulation
> is becoming a business and it is very hard for small players who comprise
> 70 % of the economy to meet all this costs in addition to the fees being
> levied by the County Governments. Allow me to break the cost down for a
> simple Cyber Cafe:
>
> 1. Rentals 10,000 shillings Per month
> 2. County Council License 50,000 Per year
> 3. Connectivity : 10,000 per month
> 4. ccTV Installation 50,000
> 5. ccTV Maintenance (Provision) 5000
> 6. Staff 20,000 per month
> 7 Security 10,000 per month
> 8. Computers/Furniture and fittings 500,000
>
> This is an affront on the Digital Superhighway plan and will render it
> naught if not thought through well. Lets check the motives if the issue is
> surveillance we call it Surveillance and find proper ways of conducting the
> same. Our focus should be to create an enabling environment that will
> enable the presidents goal of connecting as many people realized.
>
> Best Regards
>
> On Thu, Jan 9, 2025 at 11:43 AM Victor Kapiyo via KICTANet <
> [email protected]> wrote:
>
>> The government seeks to license all internet cafés in Kenya afresh and
>> introduce new controls in what it says are efforts to streamline regulation
>> and spur the growth of the local ICT sector.
>>
>> Read more: www.citizen.digital/tech/govt-wants-all-
>> cybercafes-fitted-with-cctv-surveillance-users-identified-n355552
>>
>> What do you think?
>>