Kibaki: We shall take ICT to all 47 Counties

Written By:PPS,    Posted: Fri, Dec 02, 2011

President Mwai Kibaki has expressed government's commitment to the provision of ICT services in all the 47 Counties countrywide so as to uplift the lives of citizens both in urban and rural areas. President Kibaki affirmed that the government was devoted to initiating specific programs that would help the country's youthful population exploit their huge capacity and talent in ICT which they have so far demonstrated locally. He was delighted that the ICT sector in the country has grown at an average rate of 20 per cent annually in the last ten years. He gave the example  of the  total number of mobile phone users currently estimated to be 20 million people from 40,000 users ten years ago. The President who was speaking Friday when he officially opened the Sameer Business Park said the country must continue harnessing the ICT potential for economic growth and poverty reduction. The Head of State remarked, "This is the reason the government is moving fast to establish digital villages in all parts of the country. We must ensure that technology works for the benefit of uplifting the lives of Kenyans both in the urban and rural areas." Assuring local companies of government's support to tap the benefits of emerging market opportunities, the Head of State noted with satisfaction that Kenya was presently world renowned for its innovative mobile phone money transfer and banking services. President Kibaki said, "Through this service, Kenyans are transacting nearly two billion shillings on a daily basis". Konza Technology City During the occasion, he asked the Kenyan business community to seek opportunities and expand their operations beyond the country's borders adding that currently there are numerous opportunities within the region. He acknowledged, "This week Kenya was honoured with the privilege of being Chair of the East African Community. This community offers our country great opportunities for business development and growth. Let us think of ways in which Kenyan products and services can continue being competitive both regionally and globally." Thanking the Sameer Group for the huge investment that acted as a mark of confidence in the country's business climate, President Kibaki encouraged the company to establish a similar facility at the proposed Konza Technology City. He affirmed that Business Process Outcourcing and I.T. enabled services industry is growing rapidly globally and hence offered great investment opportunities for fresh and experienced graduates as well as complementing well with the country's development blueprint, Vision 2030. In this regard, the Head of State assured that government intended to use this emerging industry to propel Kenya's economic growth and development to higher levels. The President affirmed that Kenya provided many advantages differentiated from other global destinations making the country a suitable choice for companies looking to outsource their business processes. It is against this background that the government was establishing the bigger and modern KONZA Technology City that targets the growing global business outsourcing sector, President Kibaki stated. In his remarks, Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka congratulated President Kibaki on his election as the chairman of East `African Community. Mr. Kalonzo said establishment of Sameer Business Park and other core investment centres in the country will create jobs for the youth. Others who spoke during the occasion included Trade Minister Chirau Ali Makwere and the chairman of Sameer Business Park limited Mr. Naushad Merali. Mr Merali congratulated President Kibaki on assuming the EAC chairmanship saying that investors were keen on operationalization of EAC/COMESA protocols and removal of all non-tariff barriers to facilitate smooth flow of products and services across the bloc. In attendance were Cabinet Ministers Samuel Phogisio, Njeru Githae, Legislator Michael Mbuvi, former Vice President Moody Awori, Head of Public Service and Secretary to the Cabinet Amb. Francis Muthaura and other senior government and private sector officials.