The cost of being left behind : what it means to be unconnected to the internet in Kenya in 2020

Abstract

The Internet has been hailed for its unprecedented transformational potential which only accrues upon connection. This study examines the economic, political and sociocultural leaps that have been made possible by Internet use. These triumphs are juxtaposed against the reality of the unconnected. The results show that disparity in Internet connectivity breeds inequality as the unconnected are left behind from participating in any of the economic, political and sociocultural benefits. The picture drawn is of two detached realities. Those with access to the Internet are well on their way to realization of fundamental rights. The unconnected are pushed further back by their disadvantage. As the government moves its operations online, this handicap deepens their plight further. There is an urgent need to remedy the inequality between the connected and the unconnected. To achieve this, this research proposes an upheaval in the current policy underlying the deployment of Internet infrastructure. It advocates for making the Internet a public good and treating it as such. The research calls to question the government’s approach towards taxation and offers proposals for alternative efforts geared towards access. Barriers to entry which must be addressed in order to onboard vulnerable members of society have been addressed. This research makes the case for universal access to the Internet for Kenya and for the declaration of access to the Internet as a basic right.