The government has urged Kenyans to migrate into the digital space and explore the limitless opportunities available.
Speaking on Wednesday during the official closing ceremony of the 12th edition of the Connected Summit, the Ministry of Information, Communications and the Digital Economy Cabinet Secretary Eliud Owalo said that digital technology creates a positive impact in a comprehensive way.
“What digital technology can do for us is amazing, not just in formal working spaces, but even for those in creative and gig economies. In Blockchains, Robotics, Internet of Things, Artificial Intelligence and in other emerging spaces and systems, the promise is immense,” he said.
CS Owalo noted that ICT is redefining the whole notion of employment and unemployment, adding that the new job markets are in cyberspace.
“We have reaffirmed the potential for job creation and that of generation of wealth, placed at our disposal by ICT. The jobs are now accessible everywhere. The only migration that our people now need is migration into the digital space,” he noted.
The CS said that the Summit has availed a great opportunity to traverse and explore the digital landscape, providing insightful and informative encounters.
He stated that the Kenya Kwanza Government has pledged to continue providing infrastructure and creating an enabling and facilitative environment for digital transformation.
“We shall intentionally seek to make our country an empowered digital society. We will work with everyone; local or international to make this happen,” said the CS.
His sentiments were echoed by the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria, who stated that digital trade and e-commerce have become increasingly important for businesses and countries globally.
“As more consumers and businesses go online, the need for digital trade and e-commerce is only expected to grow.
The Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry knows how important these changes are, so it has put digital trade, e-commerce and transition into the fourth Industrial transformation at the top of its policies and plans,” CS Kuria said.
He stated that for countries, digital trade and e-commerce offers significant economic benefits, which can drive economic growth, create jobs, increase export revenues, provide inclusivity and enable Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises participate in the global value chain.
CS Kuria said that his Ministry is seeking to leverage on the Digital Super Highway and Last Mile fibre optic connectivity to enhance digital trade.
He called for the support of innovative startups and nurturing of innovation talent in children from lower classes.
“This complemented with a well-educated, highly skilled and enterprising populace provides an opportunity for the country to leap frog into the digital divide, as we become the Silicon Savannah for Africa,” said the CS.
In attendance were the ICT and the Digital Economy Principal Secretary Eng. John Tanui, ICT Authority (ICTA) Board Chair Sylvanus Maritim, ICTA CEO Stanley Kamanguya, Data Protection Commissioner Immaculate Kassait, UNDP Resident Representative in Kenya Anthony Ngororano and other key stakeholders in the public and private sector.
