Abstract In the heyday years of modernization, a number of media policy papers were produced in new African states. Media were assessed as central for national development. Now, we are globally experiencing a New Wave of communication fever. New technology is claimed to strengthen democracy more than conventional media. It is possible to give ‘voice to the voiceless’ and increase direct democracy, but the digital divide is not easily overcome. Again, a New Wave of policy planning has emerged both nationally and internationally. This article elaborates on the policy discussions in Kenya, the acknowledged Information and Communication Technology (ICT) hub of Africa. The media history has been unpredictable and contradictory in Kenya. Thus, the expectations for changes caused by ICT are interesting; the buzzword has sold well. The major policy documents are analysed, and on their basis, expert interviews have been carried out. The goals for ICT promotion are changing in Kenya. In the beginning, ICT was assessed as a technological challenge. Today, its service side has been emphasized and connections with conventional media are carefully sought, but encouragement for citizen activism is still lacking.