As Kenya continues to grapple with the widening digital divide, the government needs to formulate more tax-friendly policies to attract the right foreign capital from Internet service providers willing to take up the emerging investment opportunities in the sector.
According to tech mogul Alex Chesosi (pictured), the Chairman of Intellimedia Networks Africa, a US based company offering connectivity solutions, Kenya is proving to be a key launch pad in technology for Africa.
“Connectivity is no longer a preserve of the affluent. Kenya is among the most robust countries, placing ICT at the centre of the government’s agenda. ICT is the bedrock for Kenya’s next growth trajectory. Investment in connectivity will be a game-changer. We are on the brink of a great ICT revolution,” Chesosi said in an interview with Forbes Magazine.
He further says that good governance and transparency will be a key driver in pulling in future investors in the country.
“New investments will only come if African business leaders up the ante and invest more in building solid companies that have the right checks and balances,” Chesosi who has served in several tech companies boards including Baran Telecom Networks Kenya Limited and Genghis Capital, noted.
He adds: “As much as tech holds a lot of promise, to break even requires initial, substantial, capital outlay. African businesses must be ready to walk the talk and raise the funding. That’s the only way we can safeguard our place on the global stage.”
Chesosi proposes that ICT Ministry should consider deploying a private cellular network to allow new players to compete with established companies in the internet connectivity.
