SPEECH BY HIS EXCELLENCY HON. MWAI KIBAKI, C.G.H., M.P., PRESIDENT AND COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF OF THE ARMED FORCES OF THE REPUBLIC OF KENYA ON THE OFFICIAL LAUNCH OF THE VISION 2030, KENYATTA INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE CENTRE, NAIROBI, 30TH OCTOBER, 2006 http://www.statehousekenya.go.ke/speeches/kibaki/oct06/2006301001.htm The ICT sector is one of the fastest growing sectors of the economy, with highest potential for Kenya's prospects in tapping global markets. This follows the total liberalisation of this sector in Kenya. We will soon have a second national operator, which will bring greater dynamism to the telecommunications sector. More importantly, we are investing in fibre optic connectivity nationally and internationally to leverage our global competitiveness in this sector, which offers our educated youth extensive opportunities for employment. Therefore, the strategies that you are developing for the next five years should leverage this competitive advantage, especially with regard to business process outsourcing, which is the world's fastest growing global market. The economic performance of any country is closely tied to the application of science and technology. This is why Kenya is investing considerably in higher education, research institutions, and universities. However, there still remain serious limitations in application of technology between research, industry, and agriculture. This is a serious weakness in our development strategy, which requires urgent attention. We have recently created the Ministry of Science and Technology, which is developing a national policy for science, technology, and innovation. It is important that the Vision Strategy that is being developed, is geared towards enhancing Kenya's scientific and technological capacity, inculcating a scientific culture, and integrating science and technology into our production and service sectors.