Nairobi emerging as Africa's tech giant

Kenya’s Capital Nairobi is taking ambitious steps towards becoming a tech giant in Africa, with the goal of doubling job opportunities and boosting revenue collection. In an exclusive interview with CNBC Africa, Victor Otieno, the Nairobi County Chief Officer for Digital Economy and Start-ups, shed light on the city's transformative journey towards becoming a smart city. Under the leadership of Governor Sakaja, Nairobi County is focused on tackling the pressing issue of job creation, especially for the over 1 million young graduates entering the labor market, amid a high poverty rate in Nairobi. By fostering innovation and supporting start-ups, the county aims to drive significant socio-economic development. The establishment of the Innovation and Digital Economy sector, led by Otieno, is a testament to Nairobi's commitment to nurturing the start-up ecosystem. Otieno emphasized the pivotal role of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in driving economic growth not just within Nairobi but across Kenya as a whole. By leveraging ICT as an enabler of various sectors and enhancing efficiency and revenue generation, Nairobi aims to elevate its innovation ecosystem and empower the youth to become technology producers. To accelerate the growth of the ICT sector, Nairobi is implementing initiatives to uplift the youth in ICT training, establish incubation centers, and ensure resource decentralization to foster digital innovation in all 85 wards of Nairobi County. As a part of these efforts, Nairobi is gearing up to host the Innovate Nairobi Technology Week, a platform for stakeholders to collaborate on policy co-creation towards an effective regulatory framework for emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things (IoT). Nairobi's vision extends to becoming a 'Smart City,' as articulated through the Smart Nairobi sector, aimed at automating government services to enhance operational efficiency, cost savings, and overall service delivery for residents. By structuring the county around innovation and digital economy sectors, Nairobi stands out uniquely, affirming its dedication to transformative long-term goals. The collaborative policy approach adopted by Nairobi County reflects a commitment to inclusive governance, where stakeholders actively participate in shaping policies to propel the innovation ecosystem forward. This collaborative stance is not only fostering a conducive environment for the industry but also driving fruitful engagements that inform strategic programs and policies to support innovation and technology advancement. Nairobi's strategic roadmap, as outlined in the City Integrated Development Plan (CIDP) 2023-2027, underscores the concerted efforts towards realizing the vision of a truly smart city. With a focus on talent development, innovation, and policy co-creation, Nairobi is poised to emerge as a tech powerhouse in Africa, setting the stage for a vibrant digital economy and sustainable growth.