Vice-President Moody Awori welcomed the initiative by the Kenya ICT Federation targeting Nyeri, Eldoret, Kisumu, Nakuru and Mombasa starting next week.
The Power Up with ICT campaign will educate communities on how to transact business on the Internet and mobile telephones, collection of revenue using digital maps and benefits of electronic Government.
Launching the initiative at Jacaranda Hotel, Nairobi, the VP noted that though majority of Kenyans live in rural areas, 90 per cent demand for ICT was in Nairobi.
Economic benefits
In a speech read by assistant minister Samuel Moroto, Mr Awori said the Government would ensure economic benefits reached most Kenyans.
"I note with great satisfaction that the Kenya ICT Federation, part of the Kenya Private Sector Alliance, has realised this noble goal by starting a programme to reach out to our provincial town centres," Mr Awori said.
Earlier the federation's chairman, Mr Aquinas Wasikes, said the level of ICT investment in the countryside was low compared to Nairobi creating what he described as "a digital divide."
Mr Wasike said they hoped to address rural development and promote innovation through the campaign.
"The mayors of all the five municipal councils are participating in the campaign. This reflects the determination of the councils and residents to explore ICT for improved service delivery,' Mr Wasike said.
Oakar Services managing director Willy Simons said they would educate the mayors and other council officials on latest technology used in mapping to help local authorities identify plots, land rate defaulters, and increase revenue collection.
Mr Simons cited the Nairobi City Council where billions of shillings in form of rates have not been paid for decades due to what he termed poor technology. Special session will be arranged in each town on themes of interest to residents in consultation the public and private sectors as well as members of the civil society.
The Eldoret Municipal Council would be educated on use of digital maps Mombasa about web clinics for transport and logistics sector while their counterparts in Nyeri are expected to benefit from a seminar on agricultural co-operative societies.
And during their tour of Nakuru, the federation would organise an inter-university seminar on ICT innovation and provide access to Internet for participants and town residents.
Autor(en)/Author(s): Odhiambo Orlale
Quelle/Source: All Africa, 17.11.2006
