Aldai MP Marrianne Kitany has put forward a proposal seeking to have the national government introduce policies that will culminate in the lowering of internet usage costs for retail customers.

In her proposal, Kitany wants the Ministry of ICT to regulate Internet Service Providers to in turn introduce metered billing for internet usage based on consumption.

The billing metres, as envisioned by Kitany will track customer usage, and convert the details to readable units that can be used to generate invoices.

“Internet Service Providers should deploy quality metered billing systems to monitor customer usage, convert to readable details and create invoices based on consumption and align their metrics with the value the customers get from various internet services," stated Kitany.    

According to Kitany, the current system could lead to the exclusion of Kenyans from the digital space given the high costs of purchasing data and purchase of internet-enabled data devices.

Additionally, the MP stated that the government had plans to construct 100,000 kilometres of national fibre optic connectivity network.

Kitany argues that the national government’s plan for a digital superhighway may not be realised without deliberate interventions to lower the data costs.

Further, the new billing system is expected to curb the possible exploitation of Kenyans.

Additionally, the MP sought to have the Ministry of Information, Communication and Digital Economy formulate a regulatory framework and ethical guidelines for the implementation of Artificial Intelligence in the country.

This is aimed at controlling potential misuse, developing and executing public awareness of AI programmes to raise the understanding of AI, foster transparency and promote responsible use of AI.

In relation to access to digital services, the Cabinet Secretary for Information Communication Technology (ICT), Eliud Owalo had earlier proposed the creation of a digital identity for all Africans.

Speaking during the Africa Connect Summit on April 23, Owalo stated that the digital ID will be used by the authorities to authenticate users while conducting online transactions.