Boosting the role of technology in growing Kenya’s economy is the focus of government’s five year information and communications technology (ICT) master plan unveiled yesterday.
The master plan is aimed at helping the ICT sector grow to a $2 billion industry by 2017, contributing 25% to Kenya’s gross domestic product (GDP).
Other aspects of the plan include creating a knowledge based economy, helping to establish 500 tier one ICT companies in the country and creating 50,000 jobs.
Officials say the master plan is intended to form part of the country’s Vision 2030, which intends to create jobs and boost the economy.
“Indeed, the plan is ambitious and it is an attempt to infuse ICT s and knowledge into the Vision 2030 by enhancing citizen value. How? by availing channels that will stimulate the setup of ICT related businesses and therefore employment creation,” said Paul Kukubo, Kenya’s ICT Board chief executive officer.
Danson Njue, an Informa Telecoms & Media analyst in East Africa, says the plan's objectives are realistic if obstacles are overcome.
"Kenya has seen tremendous growth in the ICT sector over the last decade and if the same growth is maintained or improved, then majority of the goals outlined in the master plan can be achieved," said Njue.
"However, there are several challenges ranging from political to regulatory, that could affect the realisation of the plan. How the various stakeholders deal with such challenges will determine the realisation of these goals," he added.
Share