ICT CHAIRMAN ALLAN CHESANG SPEARHEADING THE DELIVERY OF A DIGITAL ECONOMY.
One of the key promises of the current Government during the campaign period was to transform provision of services by leveraging on technology. This seems to be the case with the ongoing implementation of the Kenya Kwanza Digital Master Plan 2022-2023 which underpins the countrys’ digital plans.
Trans-Nzoia Senator has been in the forefront in spearheading the ambitious plan which centers around five pillars which includes, digital services and, data management, digital skills, digital entrepreneurship, and, effective alignment to policy, legal and, regulatory frame-works. The aim being to enable the government to deploy technology to improve public services by digitizing government records and services while fostering an innovation and entrepreneurship culture.
In his statement, the ICT Chair said that going digital will be a game changer in transforming the economy, creation of the much needed jobs and, driving financial and, economic inclusion. The President set the pace by digitizing Cabinet Secretary meetings with the aim of fostering efficiency and, effectiveness.
Unemployment is one of the biggest challenges we face in the country and, majorly affecting the youths. The ICT Chair has assured the members of the public that the government is making deliberate and serious intervention in a bid to address the crisis. Adding that the government has identified technology as the center-piece of its plans aimed at fostering job creation. Therefore, the government focusing on projects such as Digital Superhighway, Konza-Technopolis, digital hubs in wards and, free WIFI in markets and Trading centers.
Currently, Hon Eliud Owalo, who is the Cabinet Secretary for ICT and, Digital Economy is launching free public Wi-Fi hotspots in Trans-Nzoia county.
Konza has made admirable progress alongside other digital initiatives that will cement Kenyas’ profile as the silicon Savannah. The government had allocated Sh74 billion for construction of the Kenya Advanced Institute of Science and, Technology a Digital University domiciled within the Konza Technopolis. The President has appointed Equity Bank CEO, Mr. James Mwangi, who has been the forefront in supporting education through scholarships to needy students across the country, as the Vice Chancellor of the University.
ICT Chairman, Sen Allan Chesang, has said by setting up digital hubs in all the 1,450 wards across the country it will bring massive benefits once fully implemented. Stating that these hubs will not only be instrumental in provision of digitized governments services, but also enable innovative youths to tap in to the rapidly growing global e-commerce and, digital economy for jobs and, to boost their enterprises.
The ICT body, this includes the ministry, parastatals and, other digital respective bodies says that beside provision of high-speed internet connection, the hubs are designed to offer cutting edge technical facilities and, services which include meeting rooms, events and, training spaces. Entrepreneurs and small businesses will also be able to interact and network which will help in sharing ideas and, insights regarding their respective sectors.
With such centers, the ICT Chairman, Hon Allan Chesang, is positive that the Government will have a huge potential to turn tide of the wide-spread unemployment in the country.
