Kenya has received more funds from the World Bank to fund institutional development in the ICT.
The Sh4.6 billion towards technology-based platforms in transparency and accountability under Kenya Transparency and Communications Infrastructure Project will be channeled through various state agencies. There is need to safeguard them this election year.
The State should not curtail the burgeoning use of online information through regulation. The decision by Communications Commission of Kenya to spy on electronic mail and data sent online could act as a setback to one of the economy’s fastest growing sectors. World Bank reports show that countries with tight regulation have low growth momentum in ICT.
While electronic information can sometimes be abused to threaten State security and that of citizens, by tearing the social fabric, carefully orchestrated measures need to be taken to avoid pitfalls. The State should instead work with various stakeholders to find a lasting solution not to reverse the gains.
The ICT Board is on course though the digital divide between the urbanites and rurals is wanting. Its target to open digital villages by April 2010 is far from being accomplished. This derails e-government and e-business platforms, which could have reduced the cost of doing business.
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Kenya is one of the innovation destinations in terms of ICT in the world. Like Mauritius, India and other emerging economies, pundits estimate that the country could rake in over Sh100 billion annually from the ICT sector if well supported.
Prof Sam Ongeri, former education minister recently said billions made from ICT could be used to fund the proposed new education system and other sectors of the economy. This will entail spreading the "African Silicon Valley" at Konza and various ICT Parks to other parts of the country.
Protect and promote
While countries like India employ about 20 million in ICT with a single firm employing over 35,000 people in the business process outsourcing, Kenya’s is still evolving.
Media has highlighted various innovations and inventions by enterprising young ICT professionals. Unfortunately, the State has not been keen to harness such innovations. The team headed by Mike Macharia to come up with a proposed policy paper aimed at self-organising the ICT sector is welcome, but the State should protect and promote intellectual rights and innovations of creative minds.
