By Duncan Mutisya
Information
and communication Technology has been recognized as a key tool to development.
It is therefore the duty and responsibility of everyone to ensure that the
community gets access to the ICT facilities and ensure that they are utilized
fully.
One of the
ICT facilities is the mobile phone. Mobile phones have made communication
easier, enhanced convenience and improved the living standards of people.
Communication
has become a key factor that influences the economic development in a great
way. For the communication to be effective there must be a medium of
communication. In Kenya, there are several service providers that provide their
services across the country. These services providers are Safaricom, Airtel, Yu
and Orange. Their services have impacted positively in people’s way of life and
changing the country into a ‘small village’. This has seen the country move
from the ‘analogue era’ to a ‘digital one’.
Despite the
fast developments the communication has brought about and the initiatives that
these service providers have put in place to ensure quality service delivery,
some areas have never enjoyed these services fully. The services providers have
put have network boosters at various areas across the country to boost
communication. But, there is one area that has been suffering in silence-
Mivukoni.
Mivukoni is
in Kyuso district, about 30km from Kyuso market and 20km from Tseikuru market,
Kitui County. It is ironical that very prominent and influential people in the
country come from this neglected area. The neighboring village, Tseikuru is the
home place of the Kenya former vice president and former area Member of Parliament Hon.
Kalonzo Musyoka. This locality is just a stone throw from his rural home. The
current Member of Parliament Hon. John Mati
Munuve comes from this place! Why has this place been neglected? Is
it that Safaricom and the other service providers are not aware of its
existence? Is it that they are not aware of the poor network around this place?
The
residents of Mivukoni have been suffering in silence for long. The Safaricom
boosters situated at Kyuso and Tseikuru market have not been of much help since
network here can only be accessed at some points where you will notice a queue,
all waiting to get access to the service. Bearing in mind that the nation is
aiming at achieving Vision 2030, communication being a key factor, needs to be
given a priority. The concerned people should intervene and give a lasting
solution to the people of Mivukoni.
