Kenya on Thursday celebrated her 60th Independence Anniversary with President William Ruto acknowledging the impact of technology on governance.
Ruto appreciated the positive impact of technology in delivering services, saying it holds the key to improving government efficiency, enhancing inclusion, and promoting transparency and integrity.
A report in ITWeb Africa quoted the President as saying that he was betting on the use of technology in ‘deepening trust and strengthening’ public confidence in government.
He said it’s for that reason that his administration is digitising government information and taking public services online.
The emphasis on technology by the president comes as Kenya is betting on the digital economy being key to its youth empowerment drive.
Last month, Kenya announced plans to release a million locally assembled smartphones, a move intended to bridge the digital divide gap.
Kenya’s technology initiatives have since received the backing of the World Bank, which recently approved $390 million in funding to amplify the country’s growing digital economy.
Last month, Kenya is set to release to a million locally assembled smartphones, a move intended to bridge the digital divide gap.
“Today, as we celebrate progress in achieving economic freedom, we also celebrate our digital economy, powered by our famous fintech community. Kenya’s legendary spirit of enterprise has entered the digital space,” Ruto said.
The president said given what citizens expect from the government, his administration is increasingly resorting to technology as the answer to social problems.
“We must, therefore, take a moment today to celebrate technology in general, and in particular Kenyan fintech and other innovations that are making it possible for us to serve Kenyans to the best possible standard.
“We have a duty to deploy the best innovations and technologies to make Kenya efficient, competitive, and prosperous,” he said.
President Ruto explained further: “I am persuaded that technology holds the key to improving efficiency, enhancing inclusion, promoting transparency and integrity, deepening trust, and strengthening public confidence in government service provision.”
