NAIROBI: In a bid to boost technology businesses, motivate local technological innovations and improve on our local digital content in Kenya, the government has released Ksh 104,960,000 million to local ICT innovators in the country. Bitange Ndemo, Information and Communications PS explained that the initiative motive is to aid the growth of ventures for young innovators since their growth is hindered by lack of start up capital. “We have moved from discussing infrastructure to policy, content and capacity building in the industry. We need applications that can be able to offer Kenyans solutions and help us create internal efficiencies.” Ndemo noted that the government was in key talks with IBM where they sought to develop a Transport Management System that will deal with the heavy traffic experienced in the city. Speaking at the event was Paul Kukubo, CEO of Kenya ICT board; he noted that the board was committed to boost innovation through the funding of more start-up projects. “Our aim is to not only scale up the existing local ICT businesses but to support start-ups like those being awarded today.” Some of the key fields covered included Tourism, Agriculture, Wholesale and Retail Trade, Financial Services, Education and Training, Health Care Delivery, Water and Sanitation, Gender, Youth and Vulnerable Groups, Social Equity and Poverty Reduction, entertainment, law and order and Film and TV.
