[kictanet] 1st International Conference on Emerging and Future ICTs (ICEFICT 2011) - Observations

[Kamotho Njenga]

Hello friends,

The 1st International conference on emerging and future ICTs (ICEFICT 2011)
held on August 11-12 attracted delegates from across the globe for two full
days of lively discussion and debate. Majorly the focus was on emergent
technologies and how the ICT community as well as the wider society can
position itself in light of the evolving opportunities and challenges. The
conference presented a forum for industry players, scholars, researchers and
others  to discuss ICT oriented matters and to make recommendations for the
future.

As expected numerous forward looking observations arose. Some of the
observations requiring policy attention (Not in particular order) include:
- Government investments in ICT have been dramatic. The MOIC has
demonstrated high zeal in executing its mandate. To realize full benefits,
mechanisms for tracking progress are required
- There is gradual explosion of ICT applications for almost all sectors-
This implies a need to address the seemingly low absorption capacity for
emergent ICT innovations especially the mobile apps. How do we spur the
demand side? Development should be matched with that of implementation
failure to which apathy will start creeping in amongst young innovators.
- People/Public/Private sector partnerships are very minimal within the
Kenyan ICT sector. Private players are over-emphatic on returns and are
doing little to improve the overall landscape. Where existent most of the
partnerships are powered by multinationals
- Emergence of alternative regional centers of excellence such as Rwanda,
Mauritius etc means that Kenya should do more to attract and maintain FDI
attention
- The highly hyped BPO sector is yet to gain a firm industry footing
- Systems security remains a paramount issue of concern to all stakeholders
- Access, capacity and affordability gaps still require to be addressed.
Over 80% of ICT service beneficiaries are in urban areas. Same case for
skills distribution. Majority of rural Kenyans may not distinguish between a
mouse as the rodent and a mouse as the computer device. Some even believe
that they can click better using the mouth than using the mouse.
- There are multiple government organs dealing with ICT. ICT Board,
Directorate of E-government, the Ministry itself. Some clarity of functions
is quite essential so that people know which service or request to make
where
- Need for research based approach to measuring impact of ICT action and
policies-Time based metrics to ascertain degrees of success and failure of
policy investments
- Develop clear policy on ICT research. Consistent monitoring and reporting
on ICT projects and progress is mandatory for the dynamic sector. A certain
budgetary percentage should be devoted to research and monitoring activities
- A glaring need to bridge between academia and industry. Academia should
help to conceptualize and simplify complex and abstract problems. Industry
should focus on generating working and relevant solutions.
- The internet signal will remain available and free of government control-
Assurance by John Walubengo our AfriNIC Ambassador based on orders from
above him
- "Innovate or Perish" was the parting shot by the Keynote Speaker, Hon.
Minister Sam Poghisio

Some of the conference presentations are available at www.ictak.or.ke

Kamotho Njenga
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