Communications Authority of Kenya defies President Kenyatta's order to hand over USD10m

The Communications Authority of Kenya has defied President Uhuru Kenyatta’s order to hand over Sh1billion ($10m) to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations.

Director-General Francis Wangusi on Tuesday said the funds are already committed to other projects and the authority does not have the money left.

Last month, President Kenyatta directed that CA gives Sh1billion from the Universal Service Fund to the DCI for the war on cybercrime.

“The money that we have for the Universal Service Fund is already committed. I wouldn’t really say that we have money to put into other projects if the priority projects have not been completed,” said Mr Wangusi.

Wangusi added that the monies available had been directed towards connecting 78 sub-locations that do not have access to any network.

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The money will also be used to connect broadband to schools across the country at a cost of Sh7 billion ($70m).

While speaking during the opening of the Central regional offices in Nyeri Town, Mr. Wangusi said the authority still needs Sh70 billion ($700m) to fill existing gaps.

The Universal Service Fund was set up in 2009 and is primarily financed by mandatory contributions from licensed operators who provide services in various communications sectors.

The Communications Authority is mandated to manage and administer the fund.