Kenya’s government has launched a ten-year ICT Masterplan, a blueprint it says will help chart a digital course for the country towards growth and innovation.

The National Digital Masterplan 2022 – 2032 was launched by the Cabinet Secretary for Youth, Innovation and ICT, Joe Mucheru at the 11th edition of the Connected Summit in Diani, Kenya.

This Masterplan follows a similar technology plan released for the years 2014-2017, and has been developed to ensure that Kenya capitalises on digital transformation.

Mucheru said: “Through my Ministry we have managed to develop a ten-year National Digital Masterplan, of 2022 to 2032, to guide the country forward on ICT developments and investments.”

The Plan covers the development of ICT skills and guide investment activities in ICT for local and external investors.

To grow ICT adoption in the country, the roadmap includes the deployment of 10,000 Km of fibre optic infrastructure to 40,000 public schools and learning institutions. It will also extend broadband coverage to 20,000 government institutions, and 13,000 health facilities and create 25,000 hotspots to support youth, in establishing 1,450 digital innovation hubs across the country.

Mucheru said, “The Masterplan proposes the establishment of two software factories and another two electronic manufacturing factories that will service Kenya and the region. It is estimated that these factories will hire more than 10,000 software engineers amongst others.”

He added that government participation and relevant legislation are also paramount to develop innovation. “To mobilise resources for successful implementation of the flagship projects, the master plan proposes the enactment of e-government legislation in addition to structured partnerships with private sector and development partners.”

According to the Cabinet Secretary, the government aims to digitise over five billion records to enable seamless integration of local and national services.

The incorporation of new-age technologies is part of the Masterplan and mirrors global trends. Blockchain, IoT, AI, big data and quantum computing are targeted for use in innovation.