By Ann Njoroge
I applaud the opportunity to participate in the Internet Governance course cohort 9 at the Kenya Institute of Governance (KeSIG). This transformative experience has provided me with a comprehensive understanding of Internet governance, encompassing policy formulation and implementation, alongside the ethical and legal considerations shaping the digital ecosystem.
KeSIG boasts a comprehensive curriculum that delves into all critical aspects of Internet governance, including cybersecurity, data protection, digital rights, and the implications of emerging technologies. The structured modules ensure participants gain a deep understanding of the subject matter.
Seasoned industry experts and professionals deliver the course, enriching the learning experience with their real-world experiences and insightful case studies.
A valuable aspect of the course is the extensive networking facilitated by KeSIG. This platform allows participants to connect with peers, industry leaders, and policymakers, fostering knowledge sharing, collaborative problem-solving, and exploration of joint ventures.
The engaging pedagogy employed by the course utilizes lectures, discussions, workshops, and hands-on activities to make learning interactive. This ensures participants can effectively apply theoretical knowledge to practical scenarios. Addressing local and global internet governance issues, the course remains relevant for participants from diverse backgrounds.
Staying abreast of the latest trends, challenges, and regulatory changes in internet governance is crucial in today’s interconnected world, and KeSIG excels in keeping participants informed within this rapidly evolving digital landscape.
Knowledge of Internet governance is a critical skill increasingly sought after in various sectors like IT, law, public policy, and business. Completing this course can unlock new career opportunities and enhance your professional profile.
Moreover, understanding the policies and practices that govern the internet allows individuals to contribute to creating a safer, more inclusive, and equitable online environment. KeSIG empowers participants with the knowledge and skills to advocate for digital rights, influence policy decisions, and participate in governance processes.
As a Tax Policy Specialist at the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), the insights and skills gained from the KeSIG course will significantly enhance our policy-making processes, particularly in the area of taxing the digital economy and the internet ecosystem.
The course has equipped me with a deeper understanding of the digital economy and its unique challenges. This knowledge will inform the development of effective taxation policies that address the nuances of digital transactions and online businesses.
By leveraging data-driven insights to monitor the digital economy, assess the impact of tax policies, and make informed adjustments, we can ensure optimal revenue collection at KRA. Understanding global best practices in internet governance allows us to design robust, transparent, and internationally aligned compliance frameworks. This will ultimately improve tax compliance among digital businesses and reduce instances of tax evasion.
The digital economy necessitates innovative approaches to taxation. The course has equipped me with the skills to explore and implement new taxation models, such as digital services taxes, to effectively capture revenue from online activities.
Effective policy-making thrives on stakeholder engagement. The collaborative learning environment and networking opportunities fostered by KeSIG have enhanced my ability to engage with stakeholders, including tech companies, policymakers, and international organizations, to develop well-rounded and accepted tax policies.
The course’s emphasis on the importance of data analytics in policy-making is invaluable.
The ever-evolving internet ecosystem necessitates agility and responsiveness. The knowledge gained from KeSIG ensures we can proactively update our policies and regulations in response to new technologies and business models.
Having completed the KeSIG course, I am now better equipped to engage in Internet governance discussions and initiatives. My immediate goals include raising awareness about internet governance issues within my community and professional networks, engaging with policymakers to develop robust Internet governance policies, committing to continuous learning, and undertaking research projects that explore emerging trends and challenges in Internet governance.
In conclusion, my experience with KeSIG has been immensely rewarding. I encourage anyone interested in Internet governance to consider enrolling in this course. It is an investment in your professional growth and an opportunity to make a positive impact on the digital world.
Ann Njoroge is a senior data analyst at the Kenya Revenue Authority
