Some days back, I
visited the ICT Board to chat with Victor Kyalo about the
digital villages project. I remember when I wrote about the
launch in 2008, there was so much hype and I wanted to find
if the hype was still there.
I found that there has
been challenges, from recipients buying cars, investing in
other things to success. I also found out one nice thing;
women recipients showed more commitment, which was good for
women in ICT.
I must admit that
lending people Ksh 800,000 to 2 million is a great idea but
if the business case isn't proven, you cant blame the people
who felt it was better to buy a car for public image, or
even to operate as a taxi.
Why wouldn't such
loans be given to thriving businesses that lack capital to
finance projects? You can imagine Victor gave me a long
winding answer that seemed to say that such a project is in
the offing.
I am writing a review
of the board's performance in the various areas, according
to my knowledge and experience. If you have views of how the
board has performed, whether positive or negative, please
share by giving me a blog post.
I gave Paul Kukubo and
his team a chance to write weeks ago but he declined or is
yet to keep his promise or (insert your excuse here).
Topics that come to
mind:
1. BPO
2. Chipuka
3. Ease of doing
business, how has the board improved government processes in
the last six years?
4. Tandaa grants
5. Pasha
6. Silicon Savannah/
Silicon Kelele, depending on which side you are
7. Government
telephony, interconnection, I hear Dimension Data got a
contract or Ksh 32 million or $ 32 million (ksh 270 million)
depending on who you talk to. If you know anything, please
share.
8. Most exotic place
that board has gone to present about Kenya's success- this
is a humour piece.
9. Most outrageous
promise made or achieved
10. An open letter to
the next board CEO