There’s no doubt that digital literacy skills ought to be every child’s right from the beginning, there are so many aspects of our lives that have gone digital including even services offered by our government. Now if you thought as I am thinking, you are probably right, but what about going a step further and putting the whole idea into law? That’s exactly what nominated senator Karen Nyamu is aiming to do. As mentioned earlier, so many aspects of our lives are now digitized for various factors including efficiency, therefore it only makes sense to ensure that at least every citizen has access to these important skills. Senator Karen Njeri Nyamu has taken a bold move by sponsoring a bill aimed at making digital literacy a governmental obligation in Kenya, how about that? The Digital Literacy and Opportunities Bill 2024, if approved by Parliament, will mandate the government to provide digital literacy programs to empower every citizen with essential digital skills.
In Summary:
- Senator Karen Njeri Nyamu sponsors The Digital Literacy and Opportunities Bill 2024.
- The bill aims to make digital literacy a governmental obligation in Kenya.
- It seeks to bridge the digital divide, empower citizens, and enhance public service efficiency.
Bridging the Digital Divide:
Looking at the world today, there are quite a few things that would have looked very different just a few years back. Let’s take for example a smartphone, here in Kenya it’s something we’d never thought of back in the 90’s as essential, turning the chapter to today, things have evolved and are very different. Having a smartphone is now essential for anyone to have some sort of “normal” communication. And speaking on the same note, digital literacy has become a fundamental skill to say the least. The proposed bill acknowledges this reality and seeks to bridge the digital divide by ensuring that all Kenyan citizens, regardless of their background or where they come from, have access to digital literacy programs. The bill anticipates a scenario where these programs are provided at both national and county levels where the government will aim to validate individuals’ skills and knowledge in using digital technologies.
Empowering Citizens and Public Servants:
Senator Nyamu highlights the importance of digital skills where she sees it as not only for citizens but also for public servants. And for sure, when you have numerous aspects of your life changing such as digitization, automations happening, acquiring digital literacy is essential for adapting to new tools and approaches. Public servants equipped with digital skills can deliver more efficient digital services, thereby enhancing the overall quality of governance.
Promoting Inclusivity and Economic Development:
Moreover, the bill aims to increase access to technology and the internet in low-income and rural communities. It envisions a scenario where these will be achieved by establishing community digital hubs, it seeks to democratize access to digital resources which will eventually lead to fostering inclusivity while leveling the playing field for all members of the society. Ultimately, the bill envisions the development of a digital economy that benefits everyone, irrespective of their socio-economic status.