IP COLLEGIUM
12th MARCH 2024
Title: Harnessing Digital Transformation
To Power Sustainable Economic Growth
In Kenya.
Sub-Theme/Focus: SDG No. 9:Industry. Innovation
And Infrastructure
Presented by: Rahab Mureithi
Business Development Lead for Africa
Graymatics

To be a global
technology andinnovation hub

Executive Summary
q Kenya's digital transformation is pivotal for sustainable economic
growth and social progress, with investments in resilient digital
To be a global
technology
andinfrastructure are key drivers of Kenya's economic
development.
innovation hub

q The country's strategic focus on digitalization, as outlined in theNational ICT Policy, the Digital Economy Blueprint, and theNational Digital Master Plan, underscores its commitment toadvancing SDG 9.
q This presentation delves into Kenya's comprehensive approach todigital transformation, highlighting initiatives such as smart cities,SEZs, and data protection efforts that are shaping the nation's
path towards becoming a leading digital economy in Africa.

Backgroundq The Kenya's Vision 2030 aims for sustainable economic
growth through digital transformation.
q The government prioritizes local

To be a global
technology andand internationalinnovation hubconnectivity to achieve Vision 2030 goals.
q Mobile data/internet subscriptions reached 47.76 million,
with 66.8% on mobile broadband, indicating a shift
towards digital connectivity.
q Smartphone penetration at 60.2% against a total
population of 49.4 million, showing increased access todigital technologies.
q These trends reflect Kenya's progress towards a digitally
inclusive society and a thriving digital economy.

Kenya's Digital Transformation Framework
q Kenya's National ICT Policy provides a framework that promotes therealization of Kenya’s digital economy creating an enabling environment for

To be a globaltechnology andq The policy aims to facilitate the creation of infrastructureand frameworks
innovation
hubcitizens and stakeholders.

supporting the growth of the digital economy.
q The Digital Economy Blueprint, anchored on key pillars, emphasizes
affordable, accessible, and reliable digital infrastructure for unlocking thepotential of the digital economy.
q The National Digital Masterplan 2022-2032 identifies pillars for leveraging
ICT to accelerate economic growth, focusing on digital infrastructure,
government services, digital skills, innovation, and enterprises.
q Foundational and cross-cutting themes include data protection, cybersecurity,emerging technologies, and policy frameworks, vital for sustainable digitaltransformation.

The Government`s Commitment
q Kenya's Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda
sets out an ambitious plan to achieve universal accessto internet and broadband solutions.

To be a global
technology andinnovation hub

q Driven by a robust fiber optic network backbone - theDigital Superhighway."

q Commitment to enhancing last-mile connectivity andstrategies for growth of the digital economy throughDeployment of the National Optic Fibre Backbone(NOFBI)/Digital Superhighway, Public Wi-Fi hotspots,Digital hubs, Digitalization of Government services,
Digitalskills

anddigital

Cybersecurity and E-commerce

entrepreneurship,

Investments in Data Centres
q Kenya, Through Konza Tecgnopolis has implemented theTo be a City
globalFacilities
Konza National Data Centre and Smart(KNDC&SF) project.

technology andinnovation hub

q The project supports Technopolis, the national, and regional
ICT sector, featuring a Tier 3, Uptime Certied Data Centre.
q The Data Center offers varuous services, i.e SAAS, PAAS,
Colocation etc.
q Additionally, Kenya launched the first 100% green-powereddata center in Africa, demonstrating its commitment tosustainability.

Smart Cities and Special Economic Zones (SEZ)
q Smart cities and SEZs play a vital role in Kenya's
digitaltransformation,

fosteringsustainable economic growth.

innovation,and
To be a global

technology andinnovation hub

q Konza Technopolis and Tatu City are prime examplesof smart cities driving innovation and digitalization.
q These cities integrate advanced technologies forefficient urban planning, sustainable infrastructure, anddigital services, aligning with SDG 9.
q The SEZ(s) ffer fiscal and non-fiscal incentives to attract
investments and promote economic growth, supporting
SDG 9.

Data Protection and Cybersecurity
q The Office of the Data Protection Commissioner (ODPC)
plays a crucial role in Kenya's digital transformation
To be ajourney.
globaltechnology
andq Established under the Data Protection Act, theODPC ensuresinnovation hub
the protection of personal data and privacy rights.
q Kenya's national cybersecurity policies further reinforce thecommitment to safeguarding personal data.
q Data protection regulations provide confidence to consumers,businesses,andinvestors,fostering

trustindigitaltransactions.
q This commitment is vital for sustainable economic growth in
the digital age.

Youth Empowerment Programs
q The

government

hasinitiatedempowerment programs aimed atvariousyouth

To be a global
providingthetechnology andyouth in Kenya with access to digital services,
skills,innovation
huband opportunities for job creation.
q The programs are focused on addressing challenges
such as access to digital devices and training, theprogram

offers

VirtualDesktops(VDIs)

andscholarships for training.
q The programs objective is to reduce unemployment byoffshoring one million jobs and positioning Kenya as atalent hub.

Promoting Innovation and Growth Through Intellectual Property Rights (IPR)q Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) protection is crucial for fostering
be a global
innovation and creativity in Kenya's digital To
economy.

technology andq The government's commitment to IPR laws
and enforcement
innovation
hubpromotes

aconducive

environment

for

technologicaladvancements.
q Kenya's focus on IPR contributes to a vibrant ecosystem of digitalentrepreneurship and sustainable economic development.
q Kenya's Startup Bill: Offers fiscal and non-fiscal support forstartups, easing registration and providing incubation programs.
q Promoting Growth: The bill nurtures startups with resources,
mentorship, and funding for innovation and job creation.

Linkage to Sustainable Development Goal 9
q Kenya's digital transformation initiatives align with Sustainable
Development Goal 9 (SDG 9) on Industry, Innovation, andTo be a global
technology andq The focus on resilient digital infrastructure, smart
cities,huband SEZs
innovation

Infrastructure.

supports the development of sustainable industries.
q Youth empowerment programs and investments in digital skills
contribute to innovation-driven entrepreneurship.
q Data protection and cybersecurity measures promote a secure andtrustworthy digital environment.
q Strategic partnerships and global competitiveness drive the growth ofKenya's digital economy.
q These efforts position Kenya as a leader in ICT innovation, promoting
inclusive growth and economic

Conclusion: Strategic Partnerships and Global
CompetitivenessTo be isa global
q Kenya's digital transformation journeycrucialfor sustainable economic growth.

technology andinnovation hub

q The country attracts investments and positions
itself as a leader in digital transformation.
q These partnerships drive innovation, create job
opportunities, and foster economic growth.
q Kenya is on track to becoming a leading digital
economy, driving inclusive growth and social
progress.