he software factory is expected to create job opportunities for over 100,000 software engineers
In Summary
• CS Mucheru noted that their choice of location was informed by the high number of talented ICT experts hailing from the Mulot area, Bomet county.
• “I believe with the establishment of this facility, we will be able to tap into more talents from here and also across the Lake basin economic block counties.”
Image: /TWITTER
The Ministry of ICT, Innovation and Youth Affairs, through the Information and Communication Technology Authority (ICTA) on Saturday, commissioned the construction of Kenya’s first software factory in Mulot, Bomet County.
The 100 billion software factory is part of the flagship programs outlined in the ten-year Kenya National Digital Masterplan (2022-2032) to guide the country forward on ICT deployments and investments.
As part of the 19 flagship initiatives defined in the master plan that was launched in April this year, the software factory has been designed to accelerate Kenya’s digital transformation.
During the groundbreaking ceremony, the ICT innovation and Youth Affairs CS Joe Mucheru noted that upon completion, the software factory in Bomet will benefit the youth and the country’s economy.
CS Mucheru’s speech was read by ICTA Board Chairman Fredrick Owino.
“The commissioning of the factory here in Bomet today reaffirms our commitment to the implementation of the National Digital Master Plan that has, without doubt, shaped our discussions towards a transformed digital Kenya where technology plays a pivotal role in economic development,” said Mucheru.
“As our priority investment towards strengthening ICT infrastructure, we expect this software factory to create employment opportunities for over 100,000 software engineers who will be able to develop systems for the region as well as for the global market.”
Mucheru also noted that the facility will ensure the development of ICT skills to match the emerging tech trends for economic growth.
He emphasised that digitization is a major instrument in leapfrogging all socio-economic development.
“Kenya has for a long time been known as Africa’s Silicon Savannah. Living up to this expectation, we aim to empower a vibrant community of software engineers willing to find real solutions to real challenges.”
“This factory will, therefore, play a big role in sparking innovation to meet Kenya’s future challenges,” he said.
Mucheru noted that their choice of location was informed by the high number of talented ICT experts hailing from the Mulot area, Bomet county.
“I believe with the establishment of this facility, we will be able to tap into more talents from here and also across the Lake basin economic block counties,” he said.
In attendance was the Ministry’s CAS Maureen Mbaka, ICT Principal Secretary Jerome Ochieng and Ag. CEO ICTA Dr Kipronoh Rono.
Those also present were Bomet County Governor Dr Hillary Barchok and ICTA board members among other officials.
The factory is being built in partnership with private sector investors under a public-private partnership arrangement.
The government has established 1450 village digital hubs for digital literacy training and film production spurs.
They are intended to impart skills and knowledge to youth.
