The government has reiterated its commitment to freedom of information during the general elections and dismissed claims of a planned shut down of the internet.
Speaking during a breakfast meeting with media editors, Mobile Network Operators, and the Communications Authority of Kenya Wednesday morning, the Cabinet Secretary Ministry Information Communication Technology Joe Mucheru noted that stakeholders in the sector will collaborate to make the August 9 Election above reproach.
CS Mucheru claimed that Kenyans enjoy a democratic space and sometimes some people make untrue statement emphasizing that government will assure there will be no internet shutdown.
He assured editors that connectivity of 4G is at 96.3 pc countrywide noting that the rest 3.7 pc that is not covered will be connected via satellite.
Mucheru said the government wants to ensure the whole transmission process is handled well in terms of cyber security.
The CS noted that the security in the country is paramount assuring that any fake tallies are going to be dealt with.
At the same time, Safaricom Chief Executive Officer Peter Ndegwa of assured the nation that they take their role seriously saying the firm cannot interfere with elections.
He said Safaricom is in a much better place in regards to infrastructure and technology.
“Role of mobile network operators in the election is purely a facilitation one. Safaricom has ensured network freeze on all other products to ensure the network is available and with full connectivity during this electioneering time,” said Ndegwa.
Safaricom clarified that they have no resources to validate what is being fed to the pipe adding that their mandate is to ensure that the network is secure, available and feasible.
“We are mandated to provide the ‘pipe’. That does not include the server. Images taken by KIEMS kit or forms that represents account done by IEBC officials goes to the pipe. At the end of the pipe is an IEBC server located in data centers.” Said Technical officer Safaricom Shaka Kwach.
By Fred Azelwa.