The Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA) has raised urgent concerns about the challenges currently hindering the growth and development of Kenya’s Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector. During a meeting with ICT Cabinet Secretary Margaret Ndung’u on Tuesday, KEPSA CEO Carole Kariuki outlined several pressing issues that need to be addressed to foster a more robust digital ecosystem in Kenya.
The most significant challenge highlighted by Kariuki was the high cost of ICT devices, which she noted as a major barrier to access for many Kenyans and businesses. With rising prices, especially for smartphones, computers, and other essential technology, many citizens and companies are struggling to keep up with the demand for digital tools that are increasingly necessary for both business operations and daily life. This issue is particularly pronounced among Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), which face significant difficulties in accessing affordable technology. According to Kariuki, this not only hampers productivity but also limits the ability of MSMEs to compete in an increasingly digital world.
Limited access to e-government services was another major concern raised during the meeting. While Kenya has made strides in digitizing government services, Kariuki pointed out that many citizens still face barriers to fully accessing these services, particularly in underserved regions. The eVisa system, for example, was cited as a particular pain point, as inefficiencies in the system often delay processing times, making it difficult for investors to enter the country. This, in turn, negatively impacts sectors like tourism and hospitality, which rely heavily on smooth and efficient processes for international visitors.
The conversation also touched on the need for better protection of ICT infrastructure, which remains vulnerable to cyberattacks and other security threats. In a digital-first environment, where businesses rely on cloud-based solutions and online operations, the security of ICT infrastructure has become an essential pillar for maintaining trust and stability in the sector.
Looking ahead, Kariuki emphasized that these challenges ripple across multiple sectors, affecting not only the ICT industry but also other areas of the economy. Addressing these challenges, she noted, would require a collaborative approach between the public and private sectors. This sentiment was echoed by Ndung’u, who called for a more unified effort to tackle the problems facing the sector.
The meeting comes ahead of the highly anticipated Ministerial Stakeholder Forum scheduled for December 16, 2024. This forum will bring together key players from the ICT industry, including government officials, private sector representatives, and stakeholders, to discuss critical policy, regulatory, and legal matters. One of the key aims of the forum will be to build partnerships on transformative programmes, such as Microsoft’s Digital Skills and Employment Advancement Programme, Ajira Digital by Mastercard Foundation, and Twende Digital Programme, all of which are designed to enhance youth employment and digital literacy across the country.
The focus on youth empowerment and digital literacy was another key theme discussed during the meeting. Kariuki pointed to the success of the Ajira Digital Programme, which has played a significant role in equipping young Kenyans with digital skills, thus improving their employment prospects. Programs like these, she said, are crucial for enhancing Kenya’s global competitiveness, especially as the job market continues to demand more tech-savvy professionals.
Microsoft, represented by Winnie Karanu, also contributed to the conversation, highlighting the company’s efforts to provide free, self-paced learning resources in advanced fields like generative AI, cybersecurity, and sustainability. These resources are particularly targeted at underserved regions, where access to formal education and training is often limited.
In response, Ndung’u acknowledged the transformative role of ICT in driving social and business impact. She proposed a comprehensive roadmap to strengthen partnerships with private sector players, including KEPSA and Microsoft, ensuring that digital literacy programs are sustainable and impactful. The Cabinet Secretary also stressed the importance of inclusivity, urging stakeholders to expand these programs to marginalized communities that often remain on the fringes of Kenya’s digital revolution.
As the December forum approaches, the stakes are high. It is expected that the discussions will pave the way for stronger collaboration between the government and the private sector, setting the stage for policies and programs that can address the current challenges and unlock new opportunities within Kenya’s ICT ecosystem. The goal is clear: to create an environment where technology can fuel business growth, drive social progress, and ensure that all Kenyans, regardless of their background or location, have the opportunity to participate in the digital future.
