The long-term strategic vision for the Information, Communication and Technology (ICT) sector is well articulated in the Kenya Vision 2030, the country’s long-term development plan. This plan is being interpreted and implemented through subsequent five-year medium term plans. According to Vision 2030, the BPO sub-sector alone is projected to generate over 20,000 job opportunities and contribute more than 10 per cent to the national Gross Domestic Product (GDP) over the Plan period. These projections entail development of a vibrant ICT sector to promote expansion and to drive productivity in other growth sectors, including agriculture, manufacturing, tourism, financial and entertainment industries. At the same time, ICT influences and promotes equity, transparency and accountability in the socio-political sectors necessary for wealth and job creation.
To achieve the above, the Government created the Ministry of Information, Communications and Technology through executive Order No. 2 of 2013, along with its associated agencies with the mandate to develop and implement appropriate policies and programmes aimed at generating ICT related products
and services required by providers of such goods and services in both Government and the private sector. To effectively carry out its mandate, the ministry has developed its 2013-17 Strategic
Plan.
ICT will be instrumental in enhancing good governance and efficiency across all sectors of the economy leading to improved public service delivery. Among other considerations, this Strategic Plan aims to deepen and strengthen the foundation aimed at transforming Kenya into a knowledge-based and a globally competitive nation. This transformation will be done in line with the Vision 2030, by encouraging and stimulating investments in the sector through rapid expansion of ICT networks and services that are affordable and accessible to all.
The global trend in the delivery of telecommunications, broadcasting information technology and postal services requires that governments, supported by a strong and independent regulatory institutional set-up should ensure a holistic management of available resources. In this regard, the Government consolidated all ICT development activities under an ICT Authority (ICTA) to ensure prudent utilisation of available resources. This will be done through integration and collaboration with the public, private and non-governmental stakeholders in the development planning and implementation of various initiatives and activities. This strategy is expected to en- hance participation in the development of hardware and software, infrastructure, local content, and Information Technology Enabled Services (ITES).
It is my sincere hope that the full implementation of this Plan will provide the necessary enabling environment which will propel the country’s economic growth through increased productivity spanning all the sectors of our economy.
FRED MATIANG’I, PhD
Cabinet Secretary for
Information, Communications and Technology