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Public private partnership is key in advancing technology in Kenya-ICT PS Jerome Ochieng says

ICT PS Jerome Ochieng, Photo (file)
By Mwarandu Kombe 

 Principal Secretary in charge of the Ministry of Information Communication and Technology and Innovation Jerome Ochieng’ has called on a joint partnership by the government and the private sector.

He says the partnership will enhance technological advancement throughout country.

Speaking to the media in Mombasa on Friday during a tour of the Coast the PS reiterated the government’s efforts to ensure that internet services are diversified throughout the country.

The PS further added that the state department of communication and technology is heavily investing into the industry in order to improve technology and communication framework.

He says “Kenyans have a right to ensure that they easily access internet services. As government therefore we have to ensure that this one is fulfilled”

Ochieng also notes “Internet infrastructural facilities are key in improving the technology and communication framework everywhere in this country”

The Ps also indicated that the ministry will invest more in sub marine cable in order to facilitate communication in various government sectors.

The Principal Secretary stated that the ministry has embarked on a process of laying cables at the Mama Ngina Drive recently commissioned by President Uhuru Kenyatta.

“We have begun on a process of laying cables at Mama Ngina Drive. Our aim is to ensure that the area is well served with internet” he said

He said the internet cables will ensure that internet services are easily accessed in the area.

 The PS says the project is geared towards ensuring that most of the government facilities have an access to the internet cables.

He outlined that the laying of the cables has been successful at the immigration department in Mombasa County.

Early January President Uhuru Kenyatta commissioned the Mama Ngina Drive development project in Mombasa geared towards attracting more tourists in Kenya.

The president said “The Mama Ngina waterfront garden will attract tourists here. The number of tourists currently stands at a tune of two million”

The Mama Ngina project if completed in June this year and well connected with internet provisions is expected to rejuvenate Mombasa into a leading and competitive world class destination.

However locals and small scale business operating in the area have expressed divergent opinions on the same on the project.

Small scale businessmen live in fear on claims of their businesses being shut at the completion of the project.

A trader who sought anonymity said the government has a hidden agenda.

Meanwhile a trader another trader lauded the initiative saying it will boost their Madafu sales in the area.

I think that this project will improve our sales. We have been here for well over 25 years and I don’t think we can be moved out” he said

“I know this initiative is meant to improve our lives here taking into consideration that we shall be able to access internet services” he noted

President Uhuru Kenyatta and the county government of Mombasa says no one will be charged while in tour of the area.

“Being a historical area people will have an opportunity to come and relax without fear. No fees will be charged as this is a government utility” Mombasa county Governor Joho said at the commissioning of the event







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