Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has called on the captains of industry in the ICT sector and tech-savvy youth to exploit their digitals skills as a gateway to placing Kenya on the competitive global-technology map and create jobs.

Speaking when he officially opened the twelfth edition of connect summit conference in Diani, Kwale county, Mudavadi said it is time technology is utilised in a meaningful manner to catalyse growth, sustainability and enhance equity.  “I urge the players in this sector to be thorough. They should not introduce technology that will excite us in two months then become obsolete. We need technological innovations that will be sustainable to catalyse growth in our economy, broaden equality and not enhance inequality within the society.” said Mudavadi. 

In the forum, whose theme is “Endless opportunities shaping our future” the Prime CS emphasised on ensuring technology works for the people, and the expertise and talent tapped from the younger generation to be a source of empowerment for future generations.

Mudavadi noted that a number of success stories having been told in Kenya in the recent past. Kenya, he said, 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 and pave way for global competitiveness in key digital areas. “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 should be thinking about moving forward,” Mudavadi said said.

 He added, “we have to leverage on 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 basing on technological advancements available to us.”

Digital space

 Pledging that the government is keen and focused on ensuring the landscape in the digital space remains an area where full potential can be tapped, Mudavadi said leveraging on new opportunities in the digital market will go hand in hand with embracing innovations.

 Adopting and implementing innovations to achieve success, he said will be a driving factor towards building not only a cohesive society but also a society that will for long remain competitive.