State needs to boost growth of ICT sector

Kenya’s often-stated claim of being the regional digital hub has suffered following recent developments in Rwanda. The tiny country and East African Community partner state has made strong strides in ICT, with its neighbours playing catch up on many fronts.

Last week, Rwanda announced the launch of a satellite into space to provide high speed Internet for her citizens. While Kenya had launched a satellite last year, mostly to provide data on weather, Rwanda’s satellite ties in more firmly with wider efforts to enable innovation among the youth. Broadband internet is a crucial ingredient to development of revolutionary ICT products, especially in this age of smartphones and an increasingly digital world.

Rwanda’s ICT and Innovation minister Paula Ingabire, also announced that the country would open a smartphone factory, the first in Africa. But the country’s key strength seems to be its dogged determination to move its projects to completion.

Long after Kenya drew the blueprint for Konza City, there is little to show for the dream project and there is a significant risk of investors becoming lukewarm towards it. Lately, the Government does not seem too keen on the project, an exciting concept that could transform the country’s fortunes immensely if properly implemented. The ICT sector holds huge potential for the country’s restless youth who are looking for employment or ways to actualise their ideas. The Government must fulfill perennial promises and ensure growth of the industry.