By Fredrick Obura
The Kenya ICT Board will today announce the launch of its Sh320 million grant to promote the development of relevant digital content and software.
The money targeting entrepreneurs in the film, education, entertainment and advertising industries is aimed at driving up Internet penetration and promoting local content, a potential area for revenue generation.
According to a recent survey by TNS Research International, the penetration of Internet has not improved as anticipated despite the landing of two fibre optic cables. A big percentage of rural parts of the country are not connected.
The research cited absence of relevant content as one of the reason many consumers shy away from logging on to the World Wide Web.
The escalating cost of software has barred struggling developers from coming up with relevant content for the Kenyan Market.
Digital content includes mobile and web content, e-learning, serious gaming and console gaming.
In-depth strategy
Film content and music are also considered digital content, although an in-depth strategy for these will be developed by Kenya Film Commission in conjunction with the Ministry of Culture and others who have developed advanced strategies in this field.
International regions including New Zealand, Australia, Singapore, Canada and the European Union, have recognised the importance of digital content in developing knowledge-based economies.
These regions have either developed or are in the process of developing new strategies and programmes for the sector. This will lead to an increase in international competition.
The ICT board says Kenya has key strengths that can aid in the development of a strong digital content industry.
"These include a relatively high population of well educated and exposed youth hungry for opportunity, a nascent technology-centric professional base that is staffed by young, energetic and innovative youth, innovative products and some competitive business costs," t says in its website.
"However, the industry is embryonic and fragmented and has yet to make real advances to the global markets or secure significant Foreign Direct Investment."
Major challenge
The board has identified a number of areas of focus for development of this industry: leadership, investment, skills and training, research and development, innovation and internationalisation.
The board’s major challenge is to effectively address these areas and thereby ensure the industry is equipped to maximise on the global opportunities presented.
During the launch of the $4 million grant, players in the industry expect the board to spell out the details on how the grant would be administered, role of private sector in promoting local digital content and the role of digital content in providing access to government services and information.
