The government through the Ministry of ICT, Innovation and Youth Affairs has officiated the construction of a software factory in Mulot, Bomet County estimated to cost Sh 100 billion.
Through a speech that was read on behalf of the Cabinet Secretary for the Ministry of ICT Joe Mucheru by Board Chairman ICT Authority Professor Fredrick Owino, during the groundbreaking ceremony of the factory, the CS said that the initiative is aimed at bridging the digital gap in the country.
The CS further stated that this would provide all Kenyans with equal access to ICT as well as opportunities for business and wealth creation.
“Our aim is to bridge digital divide by providing ICT infrastructure and services to every corner of the country, especially the rural communities like this software factory we are establishing here today,” explained CS Mucheru.
CS Mucheru in April this year launched the Kenya National Digital Masterplan (2022-2032) which has consolidated all government ICT initiatives into a ten–year plan thus creating a single point of reference for all government ICT plans in the country.
The establishment of the software industry in Bomet County will go a long way with the set agenda in the National Digital Master Plan that highlighted the establishment of two software industries in the country.
The emerging trends in the ICT sector and continuous demonstration of expertise in ICT by youth in the counties will accelerate the utilization of the ICT for the country’s benefit.
Bomet County and especially Mulot area has been identified as an area with potential software engineers which if tapped well will create software enterprise for the country as well as for the region.
The government has established 1450 village digital hubs for digital literacy training, and film production spurs which are intended to impart skills and knowledge to youth.
Around 25,000 internet hotspots have been set across the country to provide internet services to innovators, youth, and entrepreneurs all these are centered on empowering youth.
By Lamech Willy
