Communication is the passing or sending of messages from one person to another.

Traditional communication included use of porters, messengers, boats, canoes, animals like donkeys, camels, oxen and blowing of horns.

Modern communication include use of cars, buses, lorries, tankers, ships, trains, aeroplanes, pipeline and cables.

Measures taken to cater for people with special needs in communication.

a) Audio visual media should be accompanied with sign language and translators to cater for them.

b) Print media should have Braille to cater for the visually impaired.

c) Churches and meetings should be accompanied with sign language translators.

d) Sign language and Braille reading should be expanded to cover all levels of education.

e) Those with hearing problems should be given hearing aids.

f) Training people in sign language and Braille to assist those with special needs in communication.

g) Providing modified mobile phones and computers that can be used by people who are visually impaired.

Problems facing communication systems in Kenya

a) The ever changing technology makes it expensive to cope with buying new equipment.

b) Lack of enough capital to establish modern means of communication in all parts of the country.

c) Vandalism makes the cost of maintenance expensive.

d) Language barrier affects communication among people from different cultures and countries.

e) High rate of illiteracy affects print media.

f) Some equipment are expensive for example, computer and mobile phones

g) Some modes of communication are slow.

h) Interruption of power supply affects the use of electronics.

i) There are few experts in telecommunications and when there is need of special skills,they have to hire experts which is expensive.

j) Absence of communication equipment in parts of the country forces people to walk for long distances to pass information.

Current development in communication systems in Africa

a) Introduction of wireless phones known as mobile phones.

b) Introduction of communication sites. For example, facebook and twitter.

c) Introduction of teleprints.

d) Introduction of vernacular FM stations to cater for people from different communities.

e) Introduction of digital television.

f) Rural electrification has led to the development in communication.

g) The use of the internet has enabled communication within the world as it is fast.

h) Introduction of electronic money transfer.

i) Introduction of e-learning in schools.

j) Use of billboards to advertise goods and services.

Benefits of improved transport and communication in Africa

a) Improved transport and communication systems will enable people and goods to move faster from one place to another. This will enhance trade in the continent.

b) Improved transport and communication will attract more tourists into Africa, hence, earning African countries foreign exchange.

c) Many investors will be attracted into the continent. This will boost Africa’s economy.

d) Development of transport and communication has led to the fast spread of news and ideas.

e) Improved transport has led to quick transportation of goods which has in turn resulted to industrial development in Africa.

f) Improved communication will create faster links between Africa and the rest of the world.

g) It is a source of income for those who have invested in the industry and those employed in it.

h) Makes it easy for the provision of social services

i) Has led to the development in the agricultural sector.

j) Improved transport and communication networks has led to creation of many job opportunities.