State launches new study on ICT usage

By MACHARIA KAMAU

The Government is embarking on a survey to map out the usage of Information and Communication Technology in the country and has commenced on a survey that is expected to establish the penetration of ICT in the country.

The study, dubbed Julisha Monitoring and Evaluation Survey, is also expected to establish how beneficial ICT infrastructure has been to local firms as well as the general public.

Kenya ICT Board Chief Executive Paul Kukubo said the study would map out ICT usage in the country and enable Government understand the Kenyan ICT Ecosystem, its players, factors for growth and trends in the market.

BUSINESS VALUE

It will also compare Kenya’s use of ICT with select emerging markets. The findings will be made available to the public upon completion of the survey.

Kukubo spoke on Tuesday during the launch of CIO100 East Africa awards. The awards, now in the second year, are organised by CIO East Africa, a regional ICT publication that is run by International Data Group.

The firm runs similar ICT publications around the world.

This year’s competition, themed Innovation for business value, is expected to attract over 600 participants across East and Central Africa.

Winners will be awarded at an awards gala in Nairobi on November 25.

According to the organisers, the competition will start with an extensive survey where eligible companies submit applications to be evaluated for the award.

A team of judges drawn from Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda and Ethiopia will review the applications and make initial recommendations about each entrant.

INNOVATIVE PRODUCTS

The top CIO of the year will receive the CIO of the year award. Other ward categories include storage, infrastructure, green edge, security, networking and leadership awards.

Over 350 companies participated in last year’s annual competition, with Safaricom (MPesa), Nairobi Stocks Exchange and Equity Bank (MKesho) leading the pack, in innovative products.