Embrace dispute resolving mechanisms, says Matiang’

Lack of dispute resolving mechanisms has led to many Kenyans seeking justice in courts thereby derailing development. Cabinet Secretary Ministry of Information Communications and Technology Dr. Fred Matiang’i said while Kenyans were busy resolving conflicts in courts, other countries continued developing. While addressing participants during a conference on Digital Broadcasting Migration: Opportunities and Challenges for Marginalized Communities Dr. Matiang regretted that the digital migration had been delayed due to constant court cases.. “ In 2006, Kenya participated in the Regional Radiocommunications Conference in Geneva which agreed on June 2015 as the cutover date for the transition from analogue to digital broadcasting,” he said. The Doctor called on Kenyans to embrace dialogue to resolve disputes, adding that it was the only way to ensure growth and development. He regretted that most cabinet secretaries were not able to execute their duties following constant court injunctions. “We have at least 50 injunctions served to cabinet secretaries and this has hampered their work,” he added. He urged Kenyans to embrace digital migration adding that whether the court cases were concluded or not, the analogue will be switched off come expiry date. The process of switching to digital migration began in 2006 with a campaign to educate the public on the process, which the minister alluded that media houses turned down an offer to run adverts on the same. He called on all stakeholders to embrace dialogue for the betterment and development of the nation. The conference was organized by Association of Media Women in Kenya (AMWIK) in collaboration with Ford Foundation. Once the country switches to digital, Dr. Matiang’ said it would open up the industry and called on the need for women to own their own channels dedicated to addressing their own issues, which were always left out by predominantly media houses owned by men. While answering a questions from participants on poor internet connectivity in most areas of Coast and North Eastern, the Cabinet Secretary said service providers preferred areas that were densely populated. He however pledged commitment with the introduction of the Universal Service Fund which will be used to set up base stations in areas with no network coverage to enhance communication, adding that access was critical to the whole population. “We have had discussions with members of parliament from these regions and we are optimistic that we shall work in collaboration with county governments to set up base station from the funds that will ensure effective communication,” he added. Dr. Matiang’ also pledged support for AMWIK’s work for women in marginalized communities. This he said would increase their (women) participation from the current 35 percent to 60 through increased training and exposure.