Technology software company Oracle Technology Kenya has entered into an agreement with the Information Communication Technology Authority (ICTA) to support the ongoing digitisation of government services.

Oracle, which specialises in cloud service, hardware and software technology, will enable the government to develop relevant skills and technology needed to deploy eServices.

"The organisations will collaborate in the areas of capacity building, ICT literacy and awareness, best practice sharing, enterprise development and innovation," Oracle announced.

The Company added that, "Initiatives will include internship and mentoring opportunities, sharing eGovernment best practices, corporate leadership activities that benefit the community, as well as enhancing ICT skills development programs and initiatives."

The government is in the process of digitising several departments including general government services such as inland revenue and the management of drivers licences.

Cabinet Secretary in charge of ICT, Dr. Fred Matiang'i said that the country is looking to have at least 37 commercialised ICT companies in the next few years and that private and government partnership is key to this realisation.

Oracle will train 240 faculties and respective teachers on database management and Java which, the technology company says, is fundamental to advance computer science in learning institutions.

"For ICT businesses to thrive, we need to build intense business activity around innovations driven by strong policies on research and centre of excellences," Victor Kyalo, Ag. CEO, ICT Authority added.

"Collaborations, like the one between ourselves and Oracle are the only way we will be able to achieve success in the sector. I commend Oracle for helping to ensure that teachers and lecturers are also equipped with requisite ICT skills. We need to increase the number of trainers and training facilities in Kenya if we are to achieve our vision of a digital economy. "

According to the ICT ministry, this funding will enable the country to grow into a technology hub by 2017 and creating 180,000 jobs directly. This will be in line with the Ministry's ICT master plan for the country.