The proposed Information Communication and Technology (ICT) Practitioners Bill 2016 has been rejected by the government citing that it will Kenya from the Global stage and participtingICT innovations.
ICT Cabinet Secretary Mr. Joe Mucheru said some proposals in the Bill will kill innovative talent and alienate local youth from lucrative on-line jobs, educational and investment opportunities.
Mucheru said that when he was addressing members of the Departmental Committee on Energy, Communication and Information at a Nairobi hotel on Monday adding that ICT sector has witnessed rapid changes, hence if enacted the proposal would dwarf innovation and developments growth in the country.
“If enacted, the ICT Protection Bill 2016, will cause duplication in regulation and frustrate individual talents from realising their potential,” said Mr. Mucheru.
The bill was self-sponsored by Leader of Majority, Aden Duale and it sought to have ICT practitioners permitted to practice only after obtaining a license.
Enactment of such bill would also render many youths unemployed because the online practitioners will also be affected.
According to Mucheru, Kena was ranked 10th globally as a result of massive on-line jobs that majority of Kenyans have been doing.
Keiyo South Member of Parliament Jackson Kiptanui who chaired the session said the Bill can either be withdrawn by the mover or amendments made on the document before being taken to back to Parliament for debate.