Key Issues in Building Kenya’s Digital Future: A Look at KICTANet’s Initiatives

Some of the key areas KICTANet is focusing on to build a strong digital
future.

– The United Nations has taken a step towards regulating the digital
world with the launch of the Global Digital Compact. This comprehensive
framework aims to govern artificial intelligence (AI) and establish
principles for responsible digital cooperation.

*Key Points*

– AI Governance: The Compact proposes an International Scientific Panel
and a Global Policy Dialogue on AI to guide its development and use.
– Tech Company Responsibilities: Tech companies are urged to enhance
transparency, accountability, and content moderation practices. They should
also work to counter potential harms from AI-generated content, such as
hate speech and discrimination.
– Open Source and Innovation: The Compact promotes open-source
technologies and innovation, encouraging tech companies to share their
designs publicly.
– Internet Connectivity: The UN commits to connecting everyone to the
internet, emphasizing increased financial investment in developing
countries.
– Digital Skills: The Compact outlines the need for national digital
skills strategies to equip people with the necessary knowledge for the
digital age.
– Protecting Children: The Compact calls for action against online
violence, hate speech, misinformation, and child sexual exploitation.
– Collaboration and Cooperation: The Compact encourages collaboration
among governments, tech companies, and international organizations to
ensure a safe, secure, and human-centred digital future. More highlights
<www.linkedin.com/posts/mwendwa-kivuva_governing-ai-for-humanity-insights-from-activity-7243379529002471424-Gtw6?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop>
.
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– KICTANet with support from the UK government through the Foreign,
Commonwealth and Development Office, is championing initiatives that
empower marginalized communities
<www.kictanet.or.ke/uk-invests-ksh640-million-to-bridge-digital-divide-in-busia-and-mandera/>,
including women, youth, seniors, and people with disabilities. Equipping
them with digital skills and technology for full participation in the
digital world.

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– We are advocating for reforms promoting:
– *Open Access:* Widespread and affordable digital resources.
– *Security:* Protecting users and their data online.
– *Human Rights:* Safeguarding fundamental rights like freedom of
expression online.
<www.kictanet.or.ke/building-a-digitally-inclusive-future-key-takeaways-from-the-eaigf-2024/>
– We are also analysing existing regulations’
<www.kictanet.or.ke/ict-sector-working-group-report-launched-part-ii/>
impact on Kenya’s digital development.

– *Building a Skilled Digital Workforce:* KICTANet through its
capacity-building pillar, we are equipping Kenyans with digital skills.
Here are some of our upcoming events: Empowering SJOs in Kenya to
Detect, Investigate, and Track Malicious Infrastructure
<www.kictanet.or.ke/empowering-sjos-in-kenya-to-detect-investigate-and-track-malicious-infrastructure/>.
Digital Safety and Privacy Workshop
<www.kictanet.or.ke/kictanet-and-apc-our-voices-our-future-safety-and-privacy-training/>

– *Combating Misinformation and Strengthening Communication:* We are
trying to address the challenges of misinformation in the digital age.
<www.kictanet.or.ke/harnessing-femtech-for-good-navigating-data-privacy-challenges/>
– *Sustainable Digital Future
<www.kictanet.or.ke/greening-the-internet-for-east-africas-sustainable-digital-future/>*

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