With Kenya’s Vision 2030 and President Kenyatta’s Big Four Agenda squarely in sight, Kenya’s Communications Authority (CA), alongside the Kenyan government has released its blueprint for a digital economy, which details the state’s plans to grow economically and increase its contribution to the African economy at large. This economic growth is primarily expected to be achieved through development of ICT-based solutions to problems. Such applications include: a Digital Government, Digital Business, Infrastructure, Innovation-Driven Entrepreneurship, and Digital Skills and Values.

The Big Four Agenda is a 5 – year strategy at the forefront of President Kenyatta’s government that prioritizes national issues in a bid to achieve the goals of Vision 2030; among them are affordable housing, universal health, food security and manufacturing.

The state will take advantage of all opportunities and solutions in ICT as it looks to compete favorably globally as a knowledge-based economy. The Blueprint also details the imperatives required to align the country towards a digital economy, and pinpoint areas that the state can take part in and seize the opportunities therein.

Related article: Authority approves Google and Telkom plans to launch Project Loon

According to the document, a Digital Government is one which in principle, leverages digital services and products in a bid to hone public service delivery. It (the government) aims to develop a solid marketplace for digital trade, digital financial services, and digital content. The Infrastructural pillar seeks to avail affordable, accessible and reliable infrastructure. Innovation-Driven Entrepreneurship will lead to the creation of an ecosystem that supports local startups and businesses to produce world-class products and services. Finally, Digital Skills and Values will see the development of a digitally skilled workforce that is based on ethical practices and social values.

To read more, you can access the Blueprint in PDF here.