The Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA), led by CEO Ms. Carole Kariuki, paid a courtesy visit to Dr. Margaret Ndung’u, Cabinet Secretary for the Ministry of Information, Communication and Digital Economy ahead of the upcoming Ministerial Stakeholder Forum scheduled to take place on 16^th December 2024, where the Cabinet Secretary will meet with the ICT sector to discuss policy, regulatory and legal issues in the sector as well as partnership on programs such as the Digital Skills and Employment Advancement program by Microsoft, the Ajira Digital program by Mastercard Foundation and the Twende Digital program by Challenge Fund for Youth Employment among others.

Ms. Kariuki was accompanied by Winnie Karanu, AI National Skills Director at Microsoft, a partner in KEPSA’s youth and jobs department. Other KEPSA representatives included Ms. Gracemary Muchiri, Project Manager of the Ajira Digital Program, and Patrick Karanja from the Communications Department.

During the meeting, Ms. Kariuki highlighted several challenges facing businesses in the ICT sector, such as the high cost of devices, access to e-government services, protection of ICT infrastructure, and access to technology for MSMEs. She emphasized the multiplier effect of these issues on other industries, citing difficulties with the eVisa system as an example that hinders potential investors and affects the hospitality sector. Ms. Kariuki stressed the need for private sector collaboration with the Ministry to explore solutions and improve the business environment.

Dr. Ndung’u acknowledged the importance of ICT as an enabler for businesses and social impact. She agreed to an initial meeting with KEPSA’s ICT sector to delve deeper into the issues and develop a concept for government consideration. Dr. Ndung’u proposed a Ministerial Stakeholder Forum before the end of the year to address these issues and identify areas for collaboration.

The discussion also covered the impact of youth and jobs programs on global competitiveness and market access for Kenyan businesses. Ms. Kariuki highlighted the successes of initiatives like the Ajira Digital Program, implemented by KEPSA in partnership with the government. She underscored the importance of digital literacy and skilling to meet market demands, noting KEPSA’s collaboration with Microsoft to accelerate digital skills development, particularly in AI and other emerging technologies, while also focusing on basic digital literacy for marginalized areas.

Ms. Karanu outlined Microsoft’s digital skilling efforts, including free self-paced learning modules available to all Kenyans. She emphasized Microsoft’s commitment to empowering rural and marginalized areas, particularly in the education sector, to ensure a digitally transformed nation. Ms. Karanu also highlighted the market-led and up-to-date nature of Microsoft’s courses, which include generative AI, cybersecurity, cloud computing, Microsoft Office, and sustainability, along with credible certification for completed courses.

Dr. Ndung’u requested a roadmap for how the Ministry, KEPSA, Microsoft, and other collaborators can enhance digital literacy programs, especially in underserved areas. She challenged the KEPSA and Microsoft teams to consider sustainability and cost-effectiveness in such proposed initiatives.

The Ministerial Stakeholder Forum is set to take place on 16^th December 2024.