Govt sets up tech hub to acquire ICT solutions

The government is in the process of setting an incubation hub to support local techprenuers in its pursuit to acquire tech solution to improve service delivery.

The ICT Ministry backed White Box is expected to provide a collection of local based apps and system as the ministry moves ahead to centralize procurement of IT services.

With a growing number of local technological innovations in the country, the government is positioning itself to tap into solutions that will be of benefit in delivering its agenda.

ICT Cabinet Secretary Joe Mucerhu said the incubation hub will link the innovators with various government agencies.

“We are creating a space where you can come, bring your innovation explain to government experts on whichever sector, something that can be used within government so they will be able to test for you, you see exactly how the product will work and then they will be able to share that report within government then we can see how to absorb,” Mr Mucheru said.

White Box will provide training courses for entrepreneurs, identify the most appropriate technology, acquire hands on experience on working projects and enable them understand the commercial aspects of businesses.

“We have already began the ground work, the names are registered now its about implication, getting the right space and that’s already in progress,” the CS said.

The cabinet secretary did not however reveal how much had been set aside for the project.

The setting up of the incubation hub comes as the ministry of ICT plans to centralize procurement of ICT goods and services by all ministries and state corporations.

ICT Principal Secretary Jerome Ochieng said the move is in a bid to ensure the standardization of ICT equipment, avoid duplication of ICT projects and wastage of resources.

“To this end the ministry is reorganizing the directorate of ICT so that it is realigns it smoothly with this new development without any hiccups,” he said.

The two were speaking during the launch of the Connected Summit 2018 that will for the first time be held in Nairobi at the Bomas of Kenya.

The 10th summit will bring together over 1,000 delegates to discuss emerging technologies such as blockchain, big data and artificial intelligence.

Additional reporting by Sophie Kinoti 

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Joe Mucheru ICT apps Connected Summit incubation hub Jerome Ochieng tech solutions White Box

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