Kenya’s Communications Authority (CA) has announced its intention to upgrade its Internet Protocol (IP) version from the fourth to the sixth. The transition from IPv4 to IPv6 is accelerating, and the CA has set a deadline of July 2023 for all internet-connected devices to be compatible with the new technology.
The government agency has warned that devices that do not comply with the new guideline will have difficulty connecting to the internet. Additionally, devices that do not have IPv6 capabilities will not be approved for sale or usage in Kenya on the TradeNet platform.
The CA has emphasized the importance of the transition to IPv6, noting that IPv4 was established in the early 1980s. The government agency warns that Kenya’s ICT industry may face significant technical hurdles if it delays the complete adoption of IPv6. This could include a lack of internet connection for new devices that do not have IPv4 addresses due to depletion.
The transition to IPv6 is also critical for the development of new frontiers, such as the Internet of Things (IoT) gadgets. These devices will require internet connections and must be IPv6 equipped. The CA notes that without complete IPv6 adoption, Kenya will be unable to harness the full potential of the IoT.
In addition to technical improvements, the new version of IP will provide greater security for internet users and optimal network capacity use. The CA warns that networks for countries that have not migrated to IPv6 will be forced to use tactics such as tunneling, which introduces attack vectors into the networks. This could impede the country’s adoption of e-commerce.
To ensure a smooth transition to IPv6, the CA is urging all stakeholders, including manufacturers, service providers, and consumers, to take necessary steps to comply with the new guidelines. The government agency has also provided guidelines for IPv6 readiness, which includes preparing the network infrastructure, upgrading the operating systems, and ensuring device compatibility.
The transition to IPv6 is a global effort, and Kenya is not the only country that is transitioning from IPv4. The IPv4 address space has been depleted, and the adoption of IPv6 is essential to accommodate the growing number of internet-connected devices. The migration to IPv6 began in the late 1990s, and the majority of nations have already made the switch.
In conclusion, Kenya’s Communications Authority (CA) has announced its intention to upgrade its Internet Protocol (IP) version from the fourth to the sixth. The transition is necessary to avoid significant technical hurdles and to ensure optimal network capacity use and greater security for internet users. The CA has set a deadline of July 2023 for all internet-connected devices to be compatible with the new technology. The government agency has urged all stakeholders to comply with the new guidelines to ensure a smooth transition to IPv6.
