[kca-info] KCA STATEMENT: THE EAST AFRICAN SUBMARINE CABLE SYSTEM (EASSy)

PRESS RELEASE

September, 15 2006

STATEMENT OF THE KENYAN COMMUNITY ABROAD ON THE EAST AFRICAN SUBMARINE CABLE SYSTEM (EASSy)
 
We, the Kenyan Community Abroad (KCA), would like to call for further and more in-depth consideration and deliberation by the Government of Kenya of the ESSAy project and Protocol. 

The Government of Kenya (GoK) which has been talking of delays, has declined to sign the ESSAy Protocol, hence delaying the process even further.  The ESSAy Protocol may not be perfect, at least in its current form, and there is much room for "negotiations".  This means that there is a lot of give and take possible in the process.

Additionally, KCA firmly believes that the economic unity of African nations is of paramount importance, and all steps should be taken to ignite, build and preserve it. If we cannot give bodies like NEPAD the opportunity to facilitate an African economic power, we have no one but ourselves to blame for our economic slavery.
 
KCA is aware that an argument can be made that the EASSy project may incur too much government debt, at least as financing is currently envisioned. This is why debate on alternative forms or financing is extremely important. Compelling arguments can however also be made in favor of EASSy:  one is the strengthened links which Kenya would likely establish with other countries signing the Protocol.

Another is the prospect of greatly improved telecommunications access--at much-reduced costs--which will help to bridge the digital divide, thus having a positive and hopefully profound effect on the development of communities and individuals alike, especially in rural areas.
 
Additionally, KCA wishes to point out to the GoK that Kenya's participation in EASSy does not stop it from doing other things like the Mombasa to Fujairah (Gulf of Oman cable). Raising funds for the Oman cable should not be a problem.  It would only be a problem if it is financed privately, because it then would not be in a position to meet the development goals EASSy seeks to achieve, vis-vis open access, and affordability.
 
KCA has also noted that the purpoted Mombasa-Oman fiber is expected to serve not only Kenya, but also other East African countries.  However, the GoK may have missed the fact that most of the countries listed (including Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi, and Rwanda) have all signed the EASSy Protocol - save for Burundi which should be signing soon. How then does Kenya expect them to participate? If the Gok has not considered the implications, then they could be in for a shock for they are either mistaken, or misconceived - or both!
 
KCA observes that as reported by afrol News very little is known about the new Kenyan-Arab undersea cable expect for its route and a cost estimate. While the EASSy project was to have been implemented by early 2008, the time frame set for Kenya's own cable (12 months by some accounts), this is highly unlikely considering the ground that EASSy has already covered. 

Additionally, it is unclear which players in the "private sector" are to participate in the project, and it is apparent that this will lead to fleecing of the "common man", as it is not clear if the project will embrase open access principles as espoused by EASSy.  KCA urges the GoK to learn from a similar consortium cable (Sat 3) along the west coast of Africa where several studies have shown the failure of Sat 3 to significantly drive down international connectivity costs.
 
To Kenyan Members of Parliament, KCA urges that you ensure that Kenya's strategic development interests are not sabotaged by business decisions. KCA notes that unfortunately the EASSy project or government actions in as far as this is concerned dont seem to be on parliamentarians radar screens.

Parliamenterians continue to blame the government solely becuase of constitutional issues and forget to check on other things that are just as relevant to Kenya's development such as the EASSy project. 

KCA does not mean that the constitution is not important, and we commend parliamentarians for focusing on this, however development initiatives which promise to help citizens more fully realize their rights, freedoms, and responsibilities--as embodied in our constitution-- are equally essential and imperative.

It is KCA's view therefore that its the work of parliament to keep a check on government/business men and other groups whose interests conflict with those of wananchi in general.  KCA therefore calls on Parliamentarians to hold hearings on EASSy, allowing the nation to discuss the pros and cons of signing this important Protocol, which promises to have a major impact on regional economic growth and prosperity. We stand ready to help in this process in any way possible, and we offer our good offices at any time as such may be
needed or desired.

Finally, KCA calls on the GoK to present its reservations to NEPAD and the other signatories, with the hope of reaching a compromise and preserving what is an all-African initiative.  EASSy we believe offers numerous positive sides eg. affordability, common good, regional integration, Africanness, African leadership, and development objectives.

 
Lucy Kimani
Member, KCA
For the KCA Executive.
Washington, D.C.
www.kenyansabroad.org