The Kenyan government is going to fast, track its digital transformation in the wake of the announcement of the new investments amounting to €102 million (around KSh15 billion) by the European Union under the Kenya Digital Partnership.
President William Ruto said that the investment will be a great boost to the initiatives that are aimed at extending digital connectivity and encouraging innovation, and at the same time creating opportunities for the youth and businesses in the digital economy of Kenya.
The President was making these observations after his meeting with Henna Virkkunen, Executive Vice President of the European Commission, where the two leaders deliberated on further ways through which cooperation between Kenya and the European Union in trade, innovation, and digital development can be deepened.
Besides the financing for the digital partnership, 37 million will be availed to Kenya for the Blue Raman submarine cable Africa extension through which also Djibouti, Somalia, and Tanzania will be connected.
The project will Really improve internet connectivity at the regional level, reduce bandwidth costs, and at the same time bolster Kenya’s status as a leading digital hub in Africa.
President Ruto said that the partnership is producing good results as evidenced by the implementation of the EU, Kenya Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA).
Since the agreement was ratified, Kenya’s exports to the European Union have grown by over 20 percent, which has led to job creation and the opening up of new markets for Kenyan farmers and manufacturers.
Besides the economic partnership agreement, the two leaders examined the progress of the EU, Kenya Digital Partnership, In particular the Digital Dialogue and the Data Adequacy process.
Both these programs will help boost digital trade, increase investment, and position Kenya as a regional digital hub as well as the world’s 11th, ranked Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) destination.
President Ruto said that Kenya’s collaboration with the European Union is still unlocking investment opportunities, stimulating innovation, and helping to spread economic prosperity.
The recent pledges point to a rising confidence in Kenya’s digital economy as well as its strategic role as a gateway for technology and innovation in Africa.
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