Perpetuation of inequalities in the digital space is a form of economic attack, Dagoretti South MP John Kiarie told an international meeting.
Kiarie, who spoke as the chairman of the National Assembly’s Departmental Committee on Communication, Information and Innovation, said there was a need to establish mechanisms to regulate online trade to promote economic benefits for all in the digital space.
He said Kenya, being a regional and continental leader in the digital, is calling for equity in the structuring of the global digital economy.
“Perpetuation of global inequalities in the digital era is in itself a form of economic terrorism,” he told the meeting on Sunday.
Kiarie made the remarks at the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) 146th General Assembly in Bahrain to the Standing Committee on Peace and International Security.
The theme of the meeting was “Cyber-attacks and Cybercrimes- the new risks to global security.”
He pointed out that the internet has come with the good and the bad in equal measure.
“The fact that today’s society is well informed through online communication doesn’t necessarily mean that all is well,” he said.
He indicated that Kenya has made tremendous progress in legislation that relates to ICT and Communication including, the Kenya Information and Communication Act, the Kenya Data Protection and Privacy Bill, and the Computer Misuse and Cybercrime Bill among other laws in the sector.
“Kenya is at the moment working on automation of government services. There are plans to establish an ICT Infrastructure that will see about 100,000 kilometres of fibre optic cables. We are developing Wi-Fi hotspots in markets and rural areas,” Kiarie said.
All IPU statutory bodies, including the Governing Council, Standing Committees, Committees on the Human Rights of Parliamentarians and on Middle East Questions, as well as the Forum of Women Parliamentarians and the Forum of Young MPs, convened during the Assembly.
The General Debate will focus on the overall theme of promoting peaceful coexistence and inclusive societies: Fighting intolerance - and provide a platform for delegates to deliberate, exchange views and galvanise parliamentary action in this area.
The meeting is expected to conclude with the adoption of an outcome document on the overall theme of the General Debate.
The meeting comes to a close on Wednesday.
