Public-Private collaboration to build an inclusive and flourishing ict ecosystem

BY EVALYNE GITHINJI

The Government is committed to enhancing collaboration with the private sector with an aim to build a thriving and inclusive ICT ecosystem that drives Kenya's digital transformation.

The Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Information, Communications and the Digital Economy, Dr. Margaret Nyambura Ndung’u indicated that the government is committed to creating an enabling environment that fosters investment and positions ICT as a catalyst for growth across all sectors.

Speaking during an industry engagement with Technology Service Providers of Kenya (TESPOK) in Nairobi, the CS emphasized that the government recognizes the pivotal role the private sector plays in driving innovation and advancing the nation’s digital economy.

She urged private sector partners to continue investing in innovation, training, and infrastructure that will empower the next generation of African leaders, “your involvement is crucial to ensuring that Africa's digital economy is inclusive and resilient.”

The ongoing reforms in the sector, CS said, including reviews of regulatory frameworks, seek to reposition the ICT industry, to both respond to emerging realities and guide the country into a future of enhanced meaningful connectivity.

CS Ndung’u said the government, through the Digital Superhighway, is keen on enhancing access to broadband services through the plan to deploy 100,000 kilometers of fibre and establish 25,000 WiFi hotspots, and 1,450 ICT hubs across the country.

These initiatives, she added, alongside others being executed by the Communications Authority through the Universal Service Fund (USF), seek to ensure ubiquitous access to ICT services and to leave no one behind in the digital transformation journey.

In his remarks, the Principal Secretary, ICT and Digital Economy, Eng. John Tanui urged the big Corporates in the ICT sector to mentor upcoming enterprises, “there is potential for growth of new enterprises which will create more job opportunities and wealth for our country.”

PS Tanui further informed the private sector of the vast opportunities to leverage in ICT, noting that approximately 9.6 million homes and businesses are targeted for broadband connectivity, 74,000 public institutions need internet connection, further pointing out the opportunities existing in e-commerce and installation of public Wi-Fi.

The Principal Secretary, Broadcasting and Telecommunications, Prof. Edward Kisiang’ani highlighted the critical role played by technology service providers and the achievements realized in the focus areas of the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).

PS Kisiang’ani noted that the digitization of government services has reduced revenue leakages in the country.

He challenged the service providers to fully exploit the opportunities available and ensure the actualization of digitalization programmes slated for the private sector to spur development in the digital space.

On his part, TESPOK Chairman Mr. James Turuthi called for the government's support in addressing the challenges faced by service providers.

He stated that the private sector is looking forward to liaising with the government in the development of the Critical Infrastructure Bill to solve vandalism amongst other obstacles.