The Kenyan Information Communication and Technology sector has fallen behind being one of the pillars expected to boost Kenya’s economy as well as provide platforms for cross-boarder partnerships based on technology.
This has been as a result of the government’s slow act to fund research and innovation therefore holding the state’s major projects from taking off. In an event earlier reported by Techmoran, ICT Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i said about 16 key projects to be implemented through Smart Kenya a platform connecting the Kenyans in the Diaspora to the home citizens.
Adequate student computer lab facilities are a problem for students in the varsities that are the catchment of ICT personnel supposed to take off the industry once mature to. About 25% accessed computers and Internet from cyber cafés while only 17% accessed computers from their campuses. Universities therefore need to invest in student computer labs to serve the students who are unable to purchase laptop computers or those who may not wish to carry their laptop computers to university campuses. At least according to KENET E-readiness survey report 2013.
With enough able hands in the industry, the country could take a different turn in terms of development considering Kenya will be in a position to participate in more building projects around the world.