The government in collaboration with stake holders is set to establish a National Addressing System (NAS) that will assign streets and building names and numbers countrywide for ease of identification.

Cabinet Secretary for Information, Communication and Technology Mr. Joe Mucheru said the adoption of NAS will facilitate effective and efficient response to emergency and rescue operations because the system will help guide service providers with clear and precise location.

MrMucheru, in a speech read on his behalf by Principal Secretary for Broadcasting and Telecommunication Mr. Sammy Itemereduring a stakeholders’ workshop at a Nairobi hotel today 24th October 2016 said besides offering opportunity to on-line retailers to establish and grow their business through door to door deliveries, the system will also boost the country’s revenue collection.

Mr. Mucheru explainedthat with the unique identification numbers for buildings and naming of streets, NAS will make it possible for cab operators to locate their passengers easily while super marketsand those who deal in food stuff will be able to reach their clients easily.
The Universal Postal Union (UPU) Director General BisharHussein said every citizen has a right to physical address for efficient mail and courier services.

Mr. Hussein said thenational addressing system that involves naming and numbering of streets; buildings and business help spur socio-economic and political development. He observed that the system was also critical in census and electoral process since it facilitated precise location of the point of service.

He said UPU was working with African countries for the adoption of the NAS in readiness for the anticipated e-commerce that was gradually taking root worldwide.

24th October 2016, By Cheruiyot Korir