Role of Kenya in the global technology

By Robert Mutasi 

Kenya has positioned itself in the technology industry with noticeable finesse in the world of global innovation. 

Kenya has set an example of this through catalyzing solutions that are localised into transformative changes from local and beyond. 

This transformative efforts and strides, indeed, have earned Kenya the title "Silicon Savannah". 

Digital money transfer is one of the major innovation achievements this country achieved. For example, mobile money service, which was launched in 2007 through a platform known as M-Pesa. 

M-Pesa services since launched has brought revolution of money transactions across East Africa. 

This services has helped millions of people to access and do financial transactions easily and securely. 

Mobile money services not only revolutionised financial transactions in Kenya but also have largely contributed to transformation of economy. 

This innovation of mobile money teaches us that it is no a must for a country to import technology from abroad but instead it can rise from within that can favour and meet the conditions and needs of our country. 

However, in the field of entrepreneurship where innovation and technology lie, there are major obstacles that hinder the progress and accomplishment of various innovations. 

These challenges are lack of adequate funds and also a lack of access to funding, tough regulations that are not favourable to the innovators and other entrepreneurs and poor working environment conditions.

The latest achievement Kenya has done is the creation Digital Hubs in counties and Technology incubators that create job opportunities and offer skills among young people. 

This has been achieved through solid partnerships between public and private sectors. 

Also emergence of e-citizen services have enhance smooth operation in the country making the government offer service on time to the targeted groups. 

In this digital era that has resulted into digital economy, Kenya is forerunner. It is responding to the rapid changes of the advanced technology.