0.0 Telecommunication is regulated by the Communication Commission of Kenya (CCK) including Internet Service Providers (ISPs).

• The impetus of information communication.

• There is deliberate effort to liberalise the telecommunication sector to bring in private sector participation which initially public sector domain.

• This has facilitated the bring of private telecommunication operators participation.

• Telekom Kenya which is public body is being privatised currently there are three private licensed operators to fixed telecom referred to as Regional Telecom Operators (RTOs). currently, Telekom Kenya has the monopoly of the Capital City of Nairobi, but the monopoly can be rescinded subject for piling to create connectivity of 30,000 lines per year.

The conditions required of the RTOs include the following:

• Must be registered in Kenya

• Must have competent and qualified staff in the field of telecommunication Engineering

• Must be in possession of adequate tools, measuring equipment test gears

• Must have a registered office

The first ISP, African Regional Computing Centre (ARCC) was fully launched in 1995. Currently there are 44 ISPs fully operational in Kenya. This has created competition facilitating lowering of prices. Telekom Kenya Ltd (through Jambonet) is currently the sole provider of internet backbone for international connectivity. There is request by the providers to be allowed to use their VSAT Dishes and if allowed there is a believe there will be cutting down of costs for both ISPs and users.

1.1 TESPOK

The interests of the ISPs are realised and articulated through their Association Telecommunication Service Providers (Association) of Kenya TESPOK. The objectives of TESPOK include the following:

• Lobby Government and on regulatory issues affecting the industry.

• Provide forum through which the views of ISPs can be sought by both government and private sector.

• Promote and implement collective projects for development of Internet and Value Added Telecommunications Services in Kenya.

1.1.1 VSAT

It is TESPOKs believe that the answer in alleviating the congestion at Jambonet is to allow use of VSAT Dishes. For this to be realised, there is need for change of policy and revert the five year exclusivity issued to Telekom Kenya. It is believed and argued that there would be no losses as telephone calls to ISPs will compensate this.

2. Access to ISPs

There is non-availability of sufficient lines to facilitate efficient communication with ISPs. The issue is being addressed through privatisation and rolling out extra lines by RTOs and Telkom Kenya Ltd with defined annual targets to be achieved.

3. Internet Exchange Point

Interconnecting ISPs in Kenya is a key issue in improving transmission speed and reliability for local traffic. The internet exchange point is currently being established point with the Assistance of GSCO and UNESCO and expected to be operational during the course of the year. This will facilitate passing local traffic from one ISP to another and will definitely improve basic services and local E-Commerce. Currently, there are seven peer ISPs involved in the project.

2.1 TBT - NEP

KEBS is the National Enquiry Point of the TBT Agreement. It facilitates all enquiries in relation to technical regulations and standards. The availing of this information is facilitated through website http. www. kebs. org. The website provides information which include KEBS profile, training programmes, programme of work in the development of Standards and a catalogue of Kenya Standards.

The NEP with the support of WTO/UNCTAD/ITC through JITAAP has acquired DIN Global to facilitate development of data in relation to Technical Regulations and Standards.

The NEP with the technical regulation are currently available on order through hard copies. Efforts are being to avail the information on order through arranged payments

2. C B I K

Centre for Business information of Kenya (CBIK) has been established with the support of ACP-EU facilitates and directs where to obtain Information in relation to exports.