Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) can offer easy access to information, swift communications, and flexible options of when and where citizens use them. As a result, ICT has become important for citizen participation in democratic processes, increased scrutiny of government actions, and improved management of public affairs. In East Africa, the internet and other digital technologies have become a key platform for citizens to enjoy their rights to expression and to associate with other citizens as well as with leaders.
Social network sites (SNS), such as Facebook, Youtube and Twitter, which are popular in EastAfrica, are helping to trigger non-institutionalised democratic participation by providing communication spaces through which individuals articulate "democratic ideas". Along with other digital technologies, SNS are providing a voice to those individuals who were previously left out of traditional media. Consequently there has been an expansion in the breadth of opinion expressed in the public domain thereby contributing to building a democratic culture. However, many challenges stand in the way of East African citizens' enjoyment of their right to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through digital technologies. These challenges include unfavourable legal regimes and affronts by both state and non-state actors, poor infrastructure and the high accessibility costs that have tended tocreate a wide digital divide. They also include irresponsible behaviour by internet users whoare often unaware of online ethics or legal regimes that govern the internet and other non-traditional media.
The use of ICT in East Africa continues to grow steadily, with social media and mobile banking among the drivers of use. In Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and Rwanda, mobile access rates have grown to beyond the 50% mark and internet access is also rising.
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