Kenya eyes double digit-growth fuelled by ICT investments

Kenya, East Africa's largest economy, is setting its sights on a future powered by innovation and digital transformation. With ICT already contributing significantly to the country's GDP, the government is optimistic about achieving double-digit growth in the sector over the next five years. Eng. John Tonui, Kenya's ICT Principal Secretary, shared insights on the nation's ambitious plans during an exclusive interview with CNBC Africa. The primary focus of Kenya's ICT strategy is to generate employment opportunities and attract investments in the digital economy. By harnessing the power of technology, the government aims to drive economic growth and position the country as a leading tech hub in Africa. One of the key initiatives highlighted by Eng. John Tonui is the establishment of digital hubs across the country. These hubs will serve as centers for innovation and collaboration, providing essential infrastructure for businesses, startups, and educational institutions. Furthermore, Kenya is also witnessing a significant rise in mobile phone assembly, with millions of devices being produced locally to meet the growing demand for smartphones across the continent. The government is keen on fostering local manufacturing capabilities not only for smartphones but also for essential digital infrastructure like fiber cables. By investing in these key areas, Kenya hopes to create a conducive environment for technological advancement and industrial growth. A crucial aspect of Kenya's digital transformation journey is the development of smart cities. These urban centers are envisioned as hubs for research, innovation, and economic activities. Smart cities offer opportunities for creating specialized economic zones and technology parks, providing a conducive environment for academia, industries, and residents to coexist harmoniously. Eng. John Tonui emphasized the importance of smart urban living spaces, especially in the context of rapid urbanization in Africa. By investing in smart city projects like Konza Technopolis, Kenya aims to create sustainable urban environments that support economic growth and innovation. While acknowledging the challenges posed by competing priorities in budget allocation, Eng. John Tonui stressed the long-term nature of smart city initiatives, highlighting that such projects require patience and sustained investment over decades. He cited examples from around the world where cities have evolved gradually over time to become thriving economic centers. The progress made in projects like Konza Technopolis is a testament to Kenya's commitment to building a sustainable and technologically advanced future. As the country prepares to launch the Kenya Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, a research institute aimed at fostering industrialization and supporting SMEs and startups, the vision of a digital-driven economy seems closer than ever. With a clear roadmap for ICT growth, Kenya is poised to unlock new opportunities, drive innovation, and propel economic development in the region.