Written by:
Brian Herbert
Rising from the ashes of post-election violence in January this year, the government of Kenya has come up with a plan to improve economic development over the next couple of decades. Vision 2030 is a forward looking plan to increase the already high gross domestic product (GDP) growth rate of 6.1% to 10% per year starting in 2012. Ultimately, with Vision 2030 put to action, Kenya will be propelled into the ranks of other high-growth countries like Singapore, Dubai and Malaysia.
These ambitious goals will be obtained by focusing on the improvement of a number of areas from security to energy and infrastructure to science, technology and innovation. What exactly does this mean for technology in Kenya and East Africa as a whole?
Infrastructure is one of the major areas slated for improvement under the vision. This is going to include making significant improvements to roads, railways, seaports, airports, water, sanitation and telecommunications. Telecommunications aside, improved transportation and more reliable shipping methods will reduce risk significantly for both corporations and individuals who choose to start a new business. The benefits of having a dependable telecommunications network are obvious. The ability to access networks virtually 24/7 is paramount to the success of any economic growth plan.
Currently in rural towns and villages, the Internet can be difficult to come by. Outside of urban areas like Nairobi and Kisumu, getting to an Internet Cafe is a challenge because they must rely on questionable satellite internet service providers and they are simply located few and far between. This improvement in infrastructure will need to encompass smaller towns like Ugunja, Kitui and others for Vision 2030 to be a success.
Something that has helped many Southeast Asian countries like South Korea and China has been their ability to provide services to more developed countries like the United States, Britain and others. With reliable telecommunications, Kenya will be able to develop a Business Process Offshoring (BPO) sector. By 2012, the plan calls for at least 7,500 BPO jobs to be created, increasing the GDP by KShs10 billion (roughly $145 billion US).
The BPO project will be sustained by attracting top multinational companies that will in turn boost confidence in the ability for other companies to do business in Kenya. The plan also introduces the establishment of a designated BPO park in Nairobi that will be supported by world-class facilities and the most reliable infrastructure. Because of these efforts, more companies will consider establishing offshore operations there.
Technological solutions touch virtually every aspect of Vision 2030. They include the utilization of communication technology to improve security, exploitation of clean geothermal energy for power, training citizens in technical fields and creating incentives for research and development.
Vision 2030 looks like a great plan to improve the lives of Kenyans and help Kenya to maintain its status as a champion in East Africa. It will be interesting to watch how well the Kenyans implement their grand vision.
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