Costly smart devices and Internet keep users away
PHOTO | FILE A smartphone. A survey conducted by the International Data Corporation (IDC) shows that the high cost of the Internet-enabled devices and expensive Internet rates remain an obstacle to majority of people.
High cost of smart mobile devices and Internet remain the two greatest constraints keeping Kenyans away from using the web, a new survey shows.
The Julisha survey conducted by the International Data Corporation (IDC) to establish the role of ICT in enabling social and economic development, shows that though Kenyan ICT sector continues to improve, high cost of the Internet-enabled devices and expensive Internet rates remain an obstacle to majority of people.
“Overall, the Kenyan ICT market continues to thrive. From 2013 onwards, the most notable issues will include the new government structure as county governments wean themselves away from national government to become more autonomous creating more investment opportunities,” the study notes adding that the number of Internet users in the country has gone up 70.4 per cent to 17 million in 2011 from about 10 million in 2010.
Prolonged procurement
But doing business with government is yet to pick due to what IDC says are complicated and prolonged procurement procedures.
“The prolonged procurement cycles and cyclic spending with government is somewhat frustrating and these need to be addressed in order to deliver value on both the demand and supply sides,” the study says.
But speaking after its launch, Information and Communication PS Bitange Ndemo said the main areas of improvement will revolve around procurement.
