Merry Christmas to Kenya’s ICT community! Look at the present that Honorable Uhuru Muigai Kenyatta, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Finance, and Technology Santa brought you in the fiscal year 2010/2011 budget for Kenya:
Minister Kenyatta & his budgetMr. Speaker, our country has invested heavily in the ICT infrastructure and it is only prudent that we also invest in our educational system in order to exploit its potential to bridge the digital divide in our economy.
With this in mind, I have allocated Ksh 1.3 billion toward purchase of 300 computers in each constituency and to make ICT a reality in our rural schools. These computers will provide a platform to expand the e-learning initiative and allow for equal access to quality lessons.
The Government will source these computers from public institutions that have computer assembly facilities. We believe that this will also benefit out students undertaking ICT and computer engineering studies.
This is a great leap forward in providing ICT access for every Kenyan, but its also an amazing opportunity for every country in Africa. Here are 3 reasons why:
1. We now have a program to showcase
With Kenya buying computers for every constituency, the Kenyan government is giving its stamp of approval for other governments to spend budget on computer purchases. And by buying computers for education, the Kenyan government is investing in its future – its children. Its also being practical and requiring local assembly partners – investing in local ICT right from the beginning.
2. Kenya is a worthy country to follow in ICT
Of all African countries, Kenya is one of the best in enabling an ICT ecosystem that allows private industry to respond to the marketplace free from government intervention. Even better, the government itself is online – I found the budget notes through the Kenyan government website.
3. This will drive ICT investments in other countries
I’m wondering what Ethiopia or Tanzania are thinking right now? I would say they are feeling a bit left behind. And I’m glad. If only other African countries would be as progressive across the ICT field as Kenya, we could have better access for all.
So join me in celebrating 300 computers for every constituency. This is the start of a great change in Kanya and beyond
Wayan,
there is even more interesting news coming out Kenya. The kenya ICT Board is on the roll! Consider that in the last one week or so, they have announced calls for expressions of interest for a “one million laptop initiative”– see http://www.ict.go.ke/images/PDF/7058930%20ict2.pdf and a grant for local content developers— interestingly both government and private sector- see http://www.ict.go.ke/index.php/entertainment/73-music/203-the-kenya-ict-board-announces-the-local-digital-content-ksh-300-million-grant.
Clearly the government is serious about developing the ICT sector putting money where its mouth is. Perhaps other governments in the region will follow the Kenyan example and see the sense in investing in the ICT sector comprehensively (government, education, private sector).
Alex