Microsoft has launched CityNext in Kenya; this is a people-first approach to innovation that empowers governments, businesses and citizens to shape the future of their cities. The forum that brought together key Government officials at County and State levels, key influencers, policy-makers and change agents in Kenya, focused on insights and case studies on optimizing revenue collection, improving performance management, enhancing security, re-imagining citizen and judiciary services, enhancing productivity and establishing e-office efficiency.
The Principal Secretary in the Ministry of ICT Hon. Joseph Tiampati, present in the forum, said that ICT had become a vital part of government and public services all over the world and that citizens and businesses were increasingly demanding better public services thus putting pressure on the public administration and the government to deliver.
”Government remains committed to supporting private sector initiatives such as CityNext that go a long way in ensuring that governments, businesses and citizens have access to innovative and modern ICT services, ”he further stated
Commenting on the CityNext Launch, Microsoft Kenya’s Country Director Kunle Awosika said that CityNext enables cities to operate more efficiently and serve citizens as “One City” across critical functions that include energy and water; buildings, infrastructure and planning; transportation; public safety and justice; tourism, recreation and culture; education; health and social services; and government administration.
“Microsoft remains committed to supporting Kenya’s growing technology sector so as to enhance competitiveness and transformation across national government, county governments and all key priority sectors.” he added.
Also speaking at the forum was the ICT Authority Chief Executive Officer Mr. Victor Kyalo who reiterated that ICT continues to play a critical role in driving the economic, social and political development of Kenya towards achieving Vision 2030.
“The Kenyan government has underscored universal access to ICT as a major objective of Vision 2030 that will contribute to the country’s economic growth as well as increase the country’s productivity and raise the competitiveness of local businesses in a knowledge-based economy,” he added.
Microsoft CityNext together with its partners is set to offer 40 wide-ranging solutions identified after decades of working with City, State and Central government leaders worldwide.