Detailed explanation of the ICT Practitioners Bill in Kenya also identified as the Information Communication Technology Practitioners Bill, 2020 and pdf of the complete bill.

ICT Practitioners Bill

ICT Practitioners Bill contains regulations that govern the training, registration, and licensing of ICT professionals in Kenya. The bill was first introduced in parliament by Hon. Aden Duale in 2016 and rejected. It was later reintroduced by Hon Godfrey Osotsi in 2018 and passed on June 9, 2022. It is awaiting signing by the president before it becomes law. The president can also reject and send it back to parliament.

In a Tweet published on June 11, 2022, ICT CS Joe Mucheru distanced himself from the bill saying that it is being pushed by people with their own business interests. He went ahead to say that the ministry ICT did, and does not support the bill. Raila Odinga has also released a statement asking the president not to sign the bill.

Summary of the Bill

The ICT Practitioners Bill defines an ICT Practitioner (ICTP ) as a person that is licensed to practice as an ICT professional by the council.

The Bill defines ICT as technologies employed in collecting, storing, processing, using, or sending out information and include these involving the use of computers, mobile apparatus, or any telecommunication system.

The Bill also says that an ICT Practitioners Institute shall be established. Its role will be to provide standards of professional competence and practice. It shall also provide continuous training to ICT Practitioners.

Requirements for Registering as an ICT practitioner

To be registered as an ICT Practitioner you are required to meet any of the following qualifications as defined by the Bill;

• Have a Bachelor’s degree in ICT-related fields or;
• Have a Bachelor’s degree in electrical and electronics engineering, mathematics, or physics and at least one-year post qualification experience in ICT or;
• Have a diploma in ICT related field plus three years post-qualification experience in the ICT field or;
• Have any Bachelor’s degree and at least three years of post-qualification experience in ICT or;
• Has demonstrated expertise, innovation, or competence in ICT as may be determined by the council.

Licensing and Offences

A license will be issued to ICT practitioners who have applied for a license to practice. No person is allowed to practice as an ICT practitioner without a license. The license shall be renewed yearly.

A person shall not be allowed to run an ICT firm without one partner or shareholder being registered as an ICT practitioner.

The Bill does not define the punishment for practicing as an ICT practitioner without a license.

Download a pdf of the complete bill.