Kenya is set to launch its National ICT Master plan, detailing how Kenya can be positioned as a leader in ICT investment and innovation by the year 2017.
The plan projects that by 2017 Kenya’s ICT industry should be contributing an estimated $2 billion (25 percent of Kenya’s GDP), have created 500 ICT companies and 50,000 jobs.
It is also expected that the impact will be felt by the SMEs with their automation projected at 60 percent.
The blueprint developed by the Ministry of Information and Communication intends to drive citizen adoption of the Vision 2030 priorities through ICT policies and initiatives.
Through this 5-year master plan, the ministry will determine priorities and key initiatives to be undertaken across the Vision 2030 socio-economic pillars where citizens, residents, homes and institutions will be connected through a countrywide robust, accessible and affordable ICT infrastructure.
The master plan gives priority in the areas of Health and Education for their chance in reducing costs, increasing value to society and enhancing citizen experience, followed closely by Agriculture and Retail/Wholesale trade.
Intervention priorities have been identified asDigital inclusion, ICT innovation and access for all beyond broadband.
It is expected that the strategy will have more than 50 percent of impact on Kenya’s Vision 2030 goals achievement.
Kenya has experienced a tremendous growth in the ICT sector in the last one decade, attracting several investors from abroad, and also a home to many tech hubs, including iHub, mLab and the 88mph Startup Garage Nairobi, among others.
