Kenya is seeking to deepen its technology partnership with the United States as the government pushes to attract more investment and strengthen the country’s digital economy.
The discussions took place during the two-day American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) Business Summit in Nairobi, which brought together government officials, technology companies and private-sector players.
A key session at the summit, dubbed The American Tech Stack Roundtable, focused on how Kenya and the US can work together to expand artificial intelligence (AI), digital infrastructure, investment and technology skills.
The deliberations involved developing viable projects which can help in transforming Kenya digitally as well as providing opportunities to the local talents and firms.
John Tanui, Principal Secretary for ICT and the Digital Economy, stated that Kenya had implemented policies designed to make the country an ideal destination for technology investors.
Some of the issues that the government was focused on were formulating clear policies, data protection, and promoting innovations.
Tanui also encouraged more American firms to invest in Kenya as the government would be willing to assist them in overcoming the possible difficulties.
“We are ready to listen and to find how we can work with you to facilitate your investment in this country,” Tanui stated.
Kenya seeks technology skills and investment
The PS said developing local talent would be important if Kenya is to achieve its long-term digital ambitions.
He called for closer cooperation between American technology companies and academic institutions to equip Kenyans with skills in emerging areas.
Semiconductor technology was among the areas highlighted, with Kenya seeking to identify opportunities to connect its workforce and businesses to global technology value chains.
Mary Kerema, Secretary in charge of the ICT, Digital Economy and Emerging Technologies Directorate, said Kenya now wants to move beyond developing policies and focus on implementing projects that have a direct impact on citizens.
She said partnerships should result in practical solutions that improve how Kenyans access government services, education and opportunities in the digital economy.
The roundtable also brought together government and industry representatives to discuss some of the challenges that could affect the pace of Kenya’s digital transformation.
Participants called for greater consultation between the government and the private sector, particularly when developing technology policies and regulations.
They also backed the use of internationally recognised, risk-based approaches in regulating emerging technologies.
The discussions come as Kenya positions digital technology, AI and innovation as key areas for attracting investment and creating new opportunities for its growing digital economy.
