The ICT Authority (ICTA) Kenya today has announced the dates for this year’s Connected East Africa Summit which will be held as from the 30th March to 2nd April 2015 at the Leisure Golf and Resort in Kwale County. The Connected East Africa forum themed the strength is in our networks will deliberate on a common approach to ICT investment and adaptation aligned to the ongoing regional integration initiatives. Also participants will be able to learn innovative solutions that exist in the market and how you can partner with different people. The Connected East Africa formerly known Connected Kenya was launched in 2009 and has been growing stronger each year.
This year’s Connected East Africa will commence discussions on how the region can leverage on ICT for full realization of the benefits of the Customs Union (2005) and Common Market (2010) protocols by its regional citizens.
While speaking this morning Mr. Victor Kyalo, ICT Authority CEO said that “the integration will be an answer to the region’s growing economies that get caught up between investing in basic amenities for the citizens or to marshal funds for ICT infrastructure. Often, because of pressing needs for limited resources, ICT is pushed to the back banner.”
The summit has set four objectives to answer the integration theme namely; to address gaps in ICT integration and shared infrastructure among the East African Member states, to speed up harmonization of ICT regulation across the region, to build support on ongoing ICT integrated infrastructure projects across the East Africa region and to provide a platform or meaningful networking that will result in fruitful relationships that contribute to the economic development of the East African region.
According to Microsoft Country Manager, Mr. Kunle Awosika, “the forum will be a platform where stakeholders will address gaps in the integration of shared infrastructure and speed up harmonization of ICT regulation across the region.Microsoft is committed to empowering innovations and skills in the regional’s ICT sector through various programs.Last year CITYNEXT was launched which is a people-first approach to innovation that empowers governments, businesses and citizens to shape the future of their cities.
The bloc has already embarked on a number of collaborative projects namely: East Africa Broadband ICT infrastructure Network (EAC-BIN), LAPPSET Northern Corridor project as well as EAC Medicine Registration Harmonization project.
To register for the forum go to www.connected.go.ke
Article by Wacuka Kangethe.
