Community networks have emerged as a vital force in bridging the digital divide and promoting inclusion, particularly for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), according to a 2024 report by the Kenya ICT Action Network (KICTANet) titled “Best Practices for Digital Inclusion of PWDs in Kenyan Community Networks.”
The report defines disability in Kenya as any impairment—whether physical, sensory, memory-related, or otherwise—that limits a person’s ability to fully participate in social, economic, or environmental activities. Meanwhile, community networks are described as decentralized, community-owned communication infrastructures that provide reliable, locally relevant internet access.
KICTANet notes that although these two areas—disability and community networks—may seem unrelated, their intersection presents a significant opportunity for fostering inclusion and accessibility.
“These may seem like separate entities, but when they intersect, inclusion and accessibility come in,” KICTANet noted.
“In light of this, the need to bridge the digital divide between community networks and disability is apparent.”
Unlike the traditional top-down approach employed by Internet Service Providers (ISPs), community networks are driven by local stakeholders. This grassroots approach allows communities to design, deploy, and manage their own networks, which better accommodate the specific needs of PWDs.
Community networks often serve areas where mainstream internet providers do not reach, offering a more affordable alternative to conventional data plans. According to global data, the cost of mobile broadband plans improved in 2023, but affordability remains a major barrier in lower-income countries like Kenya. Many PWDs face additional economic challenges that exacerbate their exclusion from the digital world.
The survey notes that in 2023, the affordability of both fixed and mobile broadband services improved globally.
“The cost of a data-only mobile broadband plan decreased from 1.5% to 1.3% of gross national income (GNI) per capita, while fixed-broadband plans dropped from 3.2% to 2.9% of GNI per capita,” the report reads in part.
“Despite this positive trend, affordability remains a significant barrier to internet access, particularly in low-income economies such as Kenya.”
Kenya’s 2019 census revealed that around 2.2% of the population, or approximately 900,000 people, live with disabilities. Despite these numbers, only 11% of PWDs use the internet compared to 22.9% of the non-disabled population.
“This exacerbates their social exclusion, especially in the highly digital post-pandemic world.”
“For women with disabilities, this issue is compounded by an intersectional gap, as they are even less likely to use mobile internet than men with disabilities.”
The KICTANet study highlights that community networks, especially in underserved areas, hold great potential to address the unique challenges faced by PWDs. These networks rely on existing community structures, such as local associations, religious institutions, and social groups, to ensure they are integrated into the fabric of the community. Social cohesion plays a key role in their success.
However, the study notes that while these networks present a unique opportunity to promote digital inclusion, they are not yet fully optimized to meet the specific needs of PWDs. The research also emphasizes the importance of involving PWDs in the decision-making process, investing in specialized accessibility features, and advocating for government support to increase funding for digital inclusion initiatives.
Kenya has made strides in promoting inclusivity through its legal and policy frameworks. The Constitution guarantees equal rights for all citizens, and Article 54 specifically mandates the state to provide reasonable access to information for PWDs.
However, the report further indicates that key legislation like the Kenya Information and Communications Act (KICA) and Disability Act fall short in explicitly addressing digital accessibility.
“The KICA, while establishing the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) and Universal Service Fund (USF), doesn’t mandate licensees to ensure service accessibility as a licensing requirement,” the survey reads in part.
“The Disability Act, though focused on the rights and rehabilitation of PWDs, needs to be updated to reflect the current digital landscape and address the accessibility of emerging technologies.”
Other initiatives, like Vision 2030 and the National ICT Policy, focus on social inclusion but need more explicit provisions for digital inclusion. In education, policies supporting ICT integration and inclusive education lack specific measures to address the needs of learners with disabilities, particularly in providing access to assistive technologies.
The report underscores the importance of addressing these policy gaps and strengthening Kenya’s digital infrastructure to ensure that PWDs are not left behind. Community networks, with their community-driven nature and adaptability, have the potential to play a key role in this transformation by making the digital world more accessible and inclusive for everyone.
By investing in inclusive practices, fostering partnerships, and enhancing government support, Kenya can continue to progress towards a future where every citizen, regardless of ability, has equal access to digital resources.