Traders in Kapsabet town have been urged to utilize the digital space to enhance and diversify their businesses.
Information, Communications and The Digital Economy Cabinet Secretary Eliud Owalo said traders can now use the internet to trade online at the comfort of their stalls and market their products.
Speaking at Kapsabet open market in Nandi County during the launch of Free Public Wi-Fi, Owalo called upon the Small and Medium Enterprises sector to take full advantage of the digital hubs that the government is setting up across the Country and join the E-commerce model.
“We are living in very fast changing times. There is need to develop digital business skills and to transform traditional businesses to digital enterprises,” he said
He disclosed that the government intends to establish up to 25,000 free Wi-Fi hotspots across the country to bring internet to the villages.
The CS said the exercise is part of an ongoing countrywide provision of internet connectivity to Kenyans in line with the Kenya Kwanza development plan to transform Kenya into a globally competitive economy.
“The days of donning ties and sitting in offices are over. What we have are technology driven jobs, where you use your brains and phone or laptop to get paid,” he said
Nandi Governor Stephen Sang speaking at the same event said North Rift counties are working on a platform called E-SOKO that aims at merging all markets in the region to enable producers and consumers have easy access to products.
According to him, the programme will enable agribusiness and government digitize data collection and service delivery projects
Sang said since the National Government is working on plans to digitalize its services, the same should be extended to county governments to enable locals gets services on one digital platform.
“My administration will assist traders and locals to enroll for various trainings on how to utilize the digital space to assist the government in trading,” he said
He urged traders to form Sacco’s so that they can access large amounts from the Hustler Fund in order to expand their businesses.
“You will never be assisted when you stand alone. Let’s work as a team to achieve great heights,” he said
Nandi County Commissioner Herman Shambi called on the business community to use the internet to search for online markets and monitor prices from different markets in Kenya and East Africa to know where their products are in demand for more profits.
Shambi said due to advanced technology, the government will soon introduce drones to identify individuals making and selling illicit brew.
By Linet Wafula and Cetrine Mutambi
