Importance of online space for access to information.
Today, digital age.I had the privilege of representing the Parliamentary Committee on Communication, Information, and Innovation at an event marking the International Day of Access to Information, sponsored by the Media Council. The event took place in Kutus, Kirinyaga County, and focused on the theme, "Importance of online space for access to information."
In my address to the participants, I emphasized the fundamental importance of true freedom of access to information. It goes beyond mere availability; it means that critical government services and information should be accessible to citizens digitally at no cost. This requires collaboration with telecommunication companies to provide free access to government services, mirroring the way they offer access to their own services on their infrastructure.
I also acknowledged and appreciated the government's commitment to digitization and infrastructure development for information access. Initiatives like the 100,000 kilometers of fiber optic cables and 25,000 Wi-Fi hotspots are crucial steps toward ensuring that information is readily available to all citizens.
The event was graced by the presence of distinguished individuals, including the CS Ministry of Information, Communication, and Digital Economy, Eliud Owalo, PS for the State Department of Broadcasting and Telecommunications, Prof. Edward Kisangani, PS for Devolution, as well as several CEOs and civil society actors. Their presence highlights the collective effort required to advance the cause of universal access to information in the