Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has urged Kenyans to embrace technology for growth, sustainability and equity within the society.
Mudavadi called on the captains of industry in the ICT sector and tech-savvy youth to embrace the opportunities in digital space as a gateway towards placing Kenya on the competitive global technology map and enhancing job creation in the country.
Speaking when he officially opened the 12th edition of connect summit conference in Diani, Kwale, Mudavadi said it is time technology is utilized in a meaningful manner.
"I urge the players in this sector to be thorough so that they do not introduce technology that will excite us in 2 months and then become obsolete. We need technological innovations that will be sustainable to catalyze growth in our economy, broaden equality and not enhance inequality within the society," Mudavadi said.
The CS emphasised on ensuring technology works for the people, expertise and talent tapped from the younger generation to be a source of empowerment for future generations.
Mudavadi said Kenya should focus on becoming a regional technology hub that will not only connect the East and Central Africa frontier but connect Africa as a continent.
"Technology is the next frontier of government operations and businesses. This goes hand in hand with what every citizen privy to tech-solution-based approaches to various challenges facing us," he said.
“We have to leverage the power that will transform and create opportunities for all. We should utilise skills and resources at our disposal to grow talent and create job opportunities based on technological advancements available to us."
Mudavadi said leveraging new opportunities in the digital market will go hand in hand with embracing innovations.
"Africa represents a variety of economic opportunities in virtually all sectors. The continent’s youthful population structure is an enormous resource in this digital era. Africa therefore should make digitally-enabled socio-economic development a high priority," he said.
The ongoing connected summit 2023 under the ICT Authority aims at achieving maximum returns as far as embracing technology is concerned.
Leaders present included ICT and Digital Economy CS Eliud Owalo, Principal Secretaries John Tanui (State Department of ICT and Digital Economy), Edward Kisiangani (Broadcasting and Telecommunications), Sylvanus Maritim the Board Chairman ICT Authority.
Others include Director General Communications Authority Ezra Chiloba, Chief Executive Officer Stanley Kamanguya, ICT Authority and National Assembly ICT Committee Chair Hon John Kiarie among other notable players in the ICT sector.
