Kenya looses a total of Ksh.2 bn in direct losses after damage, theft, interference of critical infrastructure that comprises of roads, telecom masts, power lines, water lines  among others.

This is according to Cabinet Secretary for ICT Dr. Fred Matiangi who was speaking at the opening of the Critical Infrastructure Bill forum held at the Bomas of Kenya.

Matiangi expressed shock at the wanton damage of critical infrastructure in the country and called for private , public partnership that will lead to adequate legislation to deal with the menace.

“We are spending so much to lay infrastructure in the country. We need to ensure that as a society we protect the infrastructure in place because damage causes loss to both the investor and to the recipient of the service,” implored Matiangi.

Matiangi also noted that there is need for public awareness, capacity building on the protection of critical infrastructure.

The CS said that the government should also be involved in carrying out public awareness campaigns and also rope in parliament as a shareholder so that there is consensus on how to move forward in terms of legislation .

“We need to educate the public protection , awareness and capacity building , ensure there are laws,” he said.

Matiangi said that the government will be seeking to reduce the cost of loss incurred through damages on critical infrastructure from the Ksh 2 billion to Ksh. 500 million. This will be only through losses incurred by accident.

The Forum brought together representatives from the energy, transport and Information and Communication Technology sectors who deliberated on the vandalism threats in the country and have their input in the Critical infrastructure bill that is to come out in a month’s time.

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