The recognition and inclusion of Big Data and IOT in the ICT policy is a great idea and particularly at such a time when data analytics is increasingly becoming a critical component in decision making. Data are fundamental building blocks of information, knowledge and innovation and without doubt the new factor of production.
To actualize this portion of the policy, perhaps a brief initial study needs to be undertaken with a view of building preliminary understanding of the landscape for big data for development in Kenya, and Identify key research questions and priorities. This initial study could focus on the following aspects:-
1) Value - What value is being created and who are gaining this value?
2) Innovation - What is be the nature of innovation being done by the use of big data? Who are the key actors in this innovation process?
3) Implementation - what are the enablers and constraints being faced, throughout the data value chain
4) Ethics - What are the emerging ethical concerns with regard to data quality and privacy?
It would be desirable to have a national big data strategy in place and hopefully not too far in the future.
Best Regards,
Mutuvi