Tech is a pillar of Kenya's socio-economic development strategy. Eager to digitize all the country's key sectors, Nairobi is looking for international partners.
The Kenyan Minister of Information, Communications, and Digital Economy, Eliud Owalo (photo, right), recently showcased his country's telecommunications and digital assets in Geneva, Switzerland.
On July 11, speaking at the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) 2023 Council meeting, Owalo noted that Kenya's digital network is ahead of most African countries. He then invited global development partners and investors to support the country’s ongoing digitization program.
"Kenya is keen on partnerships that will equip our youth with digital skills for digital jobs and also develop our ICT infrastructure, using affordable digital devices and finding jobs for young Kenyans in cyberspace," the Kenyan ICT ministry said on Twitter.
1/2 The Cabinet Secretary for Information, Communications and the Digital Economy, Mr Eliud Owalo today was hosted by the Secretary-General of the International Telecommunications Union (ITU), Ms. Doreen Bogdan-Martin, at the ITU Headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. pic.twitter.com/kVs1HFJhQg
— Ministry of Info, Comms & The Digital Economy KE (@MoICTKenya) July 12, 2023
Over 5,000 government services have been dematerialized since Kenya started its digitization a few years ago; fiber optics are being deployed throughout the country, and public Wi-Fi access points have already been installed in several localities.
While lauding the achievements, Eliud Owalo said there’s still a lot to do. Indeed, if 98% of the Kenyan population has access to mobile phones and broadband services, around 1.7 million people still don’t. Also, about 45% of the population still doesn’t have access to smart devices in the country.
To meet this challenge, the Kenyan government is counting on its various international partners, including the US, with whom the Kenyan delegation has begun talks in Geneva.
1/3 The Cabinet Secretary for Information, Communications and the Digital Economy, Mr Eliud Owalo today held consultations with the leader of the United States Delegation to the 2023 ITU Council Meeting in Geneva, Ambassador at Large, H. E. Nathaniel C Flick. pic.twitter.com/h5Mllmhbdr
— Ministry of Info, Comms & The Digital Economy KE (@MoICTKenya) July 12, 2023
Samira Njoya
