By Josiah Kariuki
The Ministry of Information, Communications and the Digital Economy has expressed support for the proposed National Addressing Bill, 2025 during stakeholder consultations before the National Assembly Departmental Committee on Communication, Information and Innovation.
Appearing before the committee chaired by Dagoretti South MP John Kiarie, Principal Secretary for Broadcasting and Telecommunications Stephen Isaboke said the proposed legislation would provide a framework for establishing a National Addressing System aimed at improving service delivery, security and digital connectivity.
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The Bill, sponsored by Kiambu MP Machua Waithaka, seeks to establish a structured and standardised national addressing framework that would assign identifiable and verifiable addresses across the country.
Isaboke told the committee that the proposed system would help address challenges that have long affected service delivery in areas such as emergency response, logistics, e-commerce, financial services and urban planning.
“A functional National Addressing System will strengthen government service delivery, improve citizen access to essential services, support security operations, and provide the foundational infrastructure required for a thriving digital economy,” said Isaboke.
The Principal Secretary noted that the legislation should clearly define institutional responsibilities to avoid duplication of mandates and ensure effective implementation of the proposed system.
He also called for alignment of the Bill with international best practices to create what he described as a sustainable and interoperable addressing ecosystem.
The proposed law forms part of the government’s broader Digital Superhighway agenda, which seeks to expand digital infrastructure and increase access to technology-driven services across the country.
According to the ministry, the absence of a unified national addressing system has continued to hamper the efficient delivery of services in several sectors, including emergency services, online commerce, courier logistics and financial inclusion.
Isaboke commended the committee for conducting stakeholder consultations on the Bill, saying public participation would help strengthen the proposed legal framework.
“The Committee’s commitment to stakeholder participation demonstrates Parliament’s dedication to developing a robust legal framework that responds to the realities of a digital society,” he said.
The ministry delegation included Communications Authority of Kenya Director General and Chief Executive Officer David Mugonyi, Secretaries Alphonce Kanunga and Temesi Mukani, as well as other senior government officials.
The National Assembly committee is expected to continue receiving views from stakeholders before making recommendations on the proposed legislation.
