ICT Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i has asked for a concerted effort between the Private sector and the government to spur growth in the ICT sector. Cabinet Secretary Matiang’i was speaking during the Innovation forum held at the KICC today.
Matiang’i lauded the Private sector for the continued success in the Ministry in which the Private Sector offered their input largely.”The private sector has played a crucial role in capacity building and providing input on areas that need improvement”. The Cabinet Secretary asked industry players to champion the adoption of ICT in all sectors of the economy by providing innovative solutions to common problems thereby creating a knowledge economy.
The government promised to enact some of the interventions proposed by the Private Sector through KITOS. Key among them include the enactment of legislation on local content and the Establishment of the Enterprise Kenya Foundation to build IT Kenya and Grow IT Kenya. Answering calls from delegates and panelists on the bridging of the Skills gap in the ICT Market, the Cabinet Secretary assured that the number of graduates incorporated by the Presidential digital talent program will triple to 400 in the next financial year.
Matiangi further proposed a 40% buy local policy and collaboration between local and international firms in ICT projects. Plans are also in place to use 9 major ICT projects in government as Centres of excellence to promote quality and project management. This will supplement efforts in place to turn Universities and other tertiary institutions into centres of innovation.
