ITU and CA to set up a Global Innovation Centre in Nairobi

The International Telecommunications Union (ITU) has committed to support Kenya in setting up a Global Innovation Centre in Nairobi. 

The United Nations agency which specializes in information and communication

technologies (ICTs) also plans to collaborate with the Kenya government on a wide range of areas in the ICT sector. 

In discussions held between the Principal Secretary, of the State Department for Broadcasting and Telecommunications, Prof Edward Kisiang’ani, and the ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin, the agency in the field of ICTs, pledged to provide technical support in the establishment of the Centre.

ITU made the commitment on the sidelines of the recently concluded World Radiocommunications Conference 2023 (WRC-23) in Dubai, United Arab Emirates

The establishment of the centre is already underway at the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA). CA does not mention what the Global Innovation Centre will be used for but again, it is a good move to support the country’s digitization agenda.   

Kenya has been a member of ITU council for about 41 years now having been first elected in 1982. Over the years, Kenya has been an active member of the Council and has, served on various Council Working Groups, and bodies within the three sectors of the Union and other key organs including the Radio Regulations Board (RRB).

Kenya has built a regional and global reputation in the field of ICT, distinguishing herself as a reliable partner in creating digital transformation for its people and in the region.

At the conference, Prof Kisiang’ani also briefed the ITU chief on the government’s digital transformation agenda that has seen the digitization of more than 15000 government services. Kenya National Digital Masterplan – 2022-2032,  identifies technology as a key pillar in its Transformation Agenda. In fact, significant progress has been made in expanding critical digital infrastructure across the country. 

The government, in collaboration with the private sector and under the guidance of the ICT Authority, is also on track to have over 100,000km of fiber infrastructure in the next five years. This development, the government says will enhance service delivery in various sectors such as health, finance, and agriculture.

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