My dear colleagues, this article from Dr. Ndemo really got me thinking about how we got here as a country and how we can loose it quicker than we built it.
There are four key ingredients that Ndemo mentions:-
1. Government
2. Business (established businesses that is..)
3. The Start-up and Innovation Ecosystem
4. Lobby Groups like KICTAnet. I'm specific not to call KICTAnet Civil Society because it simply is not JUST CIVIL SOCIETY. I think you will agree with me that KICTAnet has proved to be an inclusive platform where Government, Civil Society and Business get to interact in all things ICT.
These key ingredients were then Orchestrated very well by the then Government which comprised of the different arms of the ICT Ministry. The Grand Master of this Orchestra, (or should I call him the Conductor?) was the Permanent Secretary (Ndemo). And to some extent the CEO of the precursor to the ICT Authority, Mr. Paul Kukubo.
The ingredients are there but the Conductor is missing in action. The MOICT has chosen to ignore the players or basically be selective on who they work with. We see alot of interaction with established businesses but almost zero interaction with the other ingredients. And I want this discussion to be taken in the spirit it is meant to be. It is not a criticism. It is an observation and a plea from the heart.
Let me be specific:-
1. The MOICT apart from the CA is basically missing in discussions on this list. We seem to be addressing ourselves. However, MOICT risks becoming irrelevant in the discussions. ICT Authority is a shell of itself. PSs and the CS probably read every post that is posted but choose to remain silent and contribute nothing. I urge them to re-engage.
2. Demo Africa is the largest Tech Startup Platform in Africa. Founded and run by Kenyans. A shout out to Harry Hare and Andrew Karanja and their team for being absolutely great and boundless in driving this venture. Over 1800 Startups have passed through this platform. More than $50 million raised for startups across Africa. Contribution from MOICT?
Zero. Zilch. Nada!! (To be fair they sponsored some startups to South Africa last year..) The irony is not lost on me...
Demo gets more love in Nigeria, Egypt and South Africa. Now tell me Bwana CS whether this is the legacy you want to leave?
3. CIO 100 East Africa. The most prestigious event of the year. MOICT involvement? Negligible and shameful. Last years Keynote Speaker? Dr. James Mwangi. I don't recall when a CS from MOICT last graced the event...
This is a plea to the missing ingredient. Let's reengage. For the betterment of this country. When we criticize and point out issues its not that we are against you. Its because we want you to be the best that you can be.
Because we know that you are!!
A personal plea to PS Victor Kyalo and CS Joe Mucheru. We miss you and we want you back in the community that you helped found.