KENYAN POLITICIANS REAPING WHERE THEY NEVER SOW

Recent times have seen Kenyan politicians massively taking to the online platforms, in a bid to appeal to the technologically aware voters. Almost all presidential candidates have Facebook and Twitter accounts which they use to interact with their supporters. This reportedly increase in politicians’ online presence has been informed by the need to appeal to young people who are considered the highest end users of the social media. But what have Kenyan politicians done to bring down the expensive broadband charges in the country? Absolutely nothing! 

Come to think of it. Because Internet connectivity demand among Kenyans and especially the young generation is on the rise the social media has become a popular culture. Knowledge across the globe is being shared through the internet. Online courses are on the increase as the drum up to leverage on this demand intensifies. Enterprises have not been left behind. For it has dawned on them that in order to remain relevant in the future, they need to develop strong consumer relationships online. 

As a result, internet service providers in Kenya are smiling all the way to the bank as they take advantage of this online craze.  In fact, the claim that internet service providers in Kenya  offer high-speed broadband service could not be further from the truth if we compare ourselves with technologically advanced countries like Japan, South Korea, China and the rest. But because of their unchallenged monopoly in the Kenyan market and weak government policy, they continue to charge exorbitant prices for internet connection.

Commentators have even argued that it will take Kenya another decade for pocket friendly internet connectivity to become a reality.  And even as Kenyan politicians embrace the internet to advance their political agenda they continue to remain mum about this issue. They talk about economic development and yet they are least concerned about the country’s pricing model of broadband services. One wonders whether these politicians understand how vital their voters’ access to quality and affordable internet connection is to economic growth.

So before you hit the like button of that political figure’s page that’s constantly popping on your browser ask yourself this question; is he/she reaping the benefits of internet connectivity demand without sowing the seeds of cheaper and affordable services? Go ahead only if the answer is NO.