9 February 2007

A national study on ICTs, trade and economic growth confirmed that economic growth and competitiveness of an economy can be enhanced through the use of ICTs. According to consultant Dr Mbui Wagacha, co-author of the study “the use of mobile telephony can contribute approximately 70 Billion Kenyan Shillings (USD 1 billion) to the country’s GDP.

The other co-author of the report Prof. Meoli Kashorda, stated that already 32% of the surveyed Kenyan businesses were using the web for interaction with clients and/or suppliers while 78.42% used email to interact with the suppliers and/or clients, making ICT a value chain enhancer.

Providing statistics, the authors of the study confirmed that the benefits of using ICTs in the economy were higher in developing countries than in more advanced ones. These findings were presented to Kenyan stakeholders attending the national round table on ICTs, trade and economic growth.

In a message sent to the gathered group of stakeholders, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Trade and Industry, Mr. David S. Nalo, stated that the advent of Internet implies trade promotion; facilitation, transactions and payments could all be conducted virtually over a secure Internet Protocol.

Ms Aida Opoku-Mensah, OIC, ISTD, explained the genesis of the study, stating that “this initiative was part of a series of national studies in six countries, including Kenya being undertaken by ECA and the Government of Canada under the framework of the Global Electronic Policy Network (ePol-NET),” she explained.

Mr. Richard Bourassa, Director, International Policy, Industry Canada, highlighted the value of the stakeholders’ meeting fulfilled the ePol-Net mandate and was the right way for determining the necessary steps for Kenya to integrate ICTs in specifc and targeted economic sectors.

Mr. Juma Okech, ICT Secretary in the Office of the President, who facilitated the round table thanked the ECA and the Government of Canada for including Kenya in this groundbreaking study.

The two-day national round table for Kenya opened on 8 February 2007, attended by over thirty participants including major stakeholders such as bankers, and from the Chamber of Commerce, as well as the IT and communication private sector, research institutes and various ministries and agencies. The round table recommendations will be tabled at a high-level meeting of Ministers through the Office of the President.

For more information contact: Assefa Bahta – assefab@uneca.org