I agree. tI think VAT and/or duty on network devices were zero-rated in last year's budget. Reducing or zero-rating VAT on internet access & services should follow suit. And, UK's proposals seem to have some incentives for those setting up outside Nairobi and other town centres. I think CCK should publicize internet usage data and coverage - and compel ISPs - including Safcom & Zain to report this info regularly (weekly?) Info will help people identify better opportunities to invest. ________________________________ From: aki <aki275@googlemail.com> To: Skunkworks forum <skunkworks@lists.my.co.ke> Sent: Wednesday, June 24, 2009 4:08:41 AM Subject: [Skunkworks] An audit of tech related initiatives in kenya Time to put our tech sector progress on paper and see where we have reached and where we are heading. 1) my initiative is to call on govt to remove all taxes in ICT sector for a 15 year period ( to fast pace time lost ). For internet services and internet access, VAT should be scrapped to lower costs to end users and to create cheaper access to services. For areas that do not have infrastructure or have poor facilities, the govt should allow tax breaks to businesses who are willing to setup there. CCK should also have a licensing scheme to aid community and closed networks achieve infrastucture with minimum expense. Products that assist develop such networks should be exempt from all taxes. my take, corrections welcome. Please add your contribution too and lets see if we can passionately get this going with the help of everyone. Rgds.