LEGISLATION

The Bill provides for the establishment of the Science and Technology Commission and the Science and Technology Innovation Trust Fund. The Function of the Commission is to provide advice to Government on aspects of Science and Technology and monitor and evaluate the inputs and results of Science and Technology activities. The objective of the Fund is to assist Commission in its operation of promoting Science and Technology by developing criteria for project proposal and evaluation for disbursement of funds in order to alleviate poverty through employment creation.

The Bill will provide for facilitation and regulation of electronic communications and transactions, legal recognition of electronic communications , for contracts to be completed through electronic channels , for protection of consumers who buy goods and services online , for the use of electronic signatures , for the Promotion digital servicers within government and for electronic retention of records

The bill will provide for: Offences committed by using electronic and communication devices and networks, designation and protection of critical information infrastructure , establishment of the following bodies:

• National Cybersecurity Council which shall be responsible to advice the Government on issues regarding cybersecurity incidents and management and promote cybersecurity awareness
• National Cybersecurity Incident Response Team which will be responsible to provide the Government with cyber security intelligence, alerts, warnings, technical assistance, eradication of threats, recovery from cyber-attacks.

This policy has been developed by National Reforms Authority (NRA) and stakeholders. The purpose of the document is to serve as a guiding tool for media fraternity. It also aims to ensure that the media operate in a conducive environment.

Through this Policy, the Ministry of Communications, Science and Technology (MCST) seeks to improve broadcasting technolgy from analogue to digital.