“The private sector is classified into two main categories: the big corporates, and the medium and small businesses. Small businesses have low barriers to adopting digital technology given that their organizations are not so complex but might be limited by the huge resources required for digital transformation. Large corporates have legacy systems that are difficult to integrate such as the organizational culture making adoption of digital technologies take time. However, small businesses can leverage available and affordable platforms such as social media platforms which do not require heavy investment yet are very proficient in promoting business growth. Large businesses, on the other hand, can tackle this through the gradual adoption of new technologies” Ms. Rachel Gathu, Ajira Digital Private Sector Engagement Lead at KEPSA explained to participants during a panel discussion on the adoption of digital technologies for business growth during the ongoing Nation Digital Summit.

The 3^rd Nation Digital Summit organized by the Nation Media Group started yesterday to discuss how various actors of the economy will enhance Africa’s digital transformation. The event has brought together digital leaders, experts, corporate executives, government decision-makers, SME leaders, and other stakeholders together to discuss ideas, innovations, and perspectives essential for the digital world.

The two days event was officially opened by Eliud Owalo, Cabinet Secretary (CS) Ministry of ICT and Digital Economy. Among other delegates present include Stephen Gitagama, KEPSA Director – Media and Communication and CEO Nation Media Group; H.E Abdulswamad Sharrif Nassir, Governor Mombasa County; H.E Meg Whitman, US Ambassador to Kenya; Rachel Gathu, Ajira Digital Private Sector Engagement Lead at KEPSA; Mr. Ken Mwenda, Managing Director eMobilis among other delegates from across Africa..

Being a thought leader in digital transformation and the digital economy, Ajira Digital is participating in different panel sessions including this session that focused on how businesses in Africa and especially those in Kenya can leverage digital technologies to increase efficiency, improve customer engagement and drive revenue growth. Rachel Gathu explained the importance of businesses embracing digital transformation and not shying away from digitization as it has more value compared to the investment cost of technologies. Other panelists in the session included Mr. David Omwoyo, CEO Media Council of Kenya; Ms. Mercy Mutemi, Managing Partner at Nzili & Sumbi Advocates (Internet Law and Policy Advocate); Mr. Kelvin Njoka, Head of Products and Strategy (Digital and Innovation) at DTB.

Here are key highlights from different delegates during the official opening of the Summit:

“We are here to seek heavy questions and seek pertinent solutions to enhancing digital transformation in Kenya. Is Africa and especially Kenya keeping with the trends of the modern world or is it being left behind? Destiny has placed a heavy load on all of us in Kenya which is to steer the transformation of the continent in the fourth industrial revolution’ - Eliud Owalo, CS Ministry of ICT and Digital Economy.

“Four things that make a difference in Silicon Valley include a robust venture capital community, big employers that identify talents, great universities and institutions of higher learning, and good connectivity. If you think about it, Kenya has all these things going on and this forms a good ground for enhanced digital transformation” - H.E Meg Whitman, US Ambassador to Kenya.

“Mombasa County has various plans to enhance digital transformation in the county including the use of technology to fight crime, health management, feed children and digital literacy, revenue collection and also use of data to make key decisions all for the development and excellence of the county’ - H.E Abdulswamad Sharrif Nassir, Governor Mombasa County.

“Cyber security for instance is a growing skill that is in high demand by most employers and young people can make very good money out of such skills. It is therefore important for people to keep upskilling and reskilling to what can benefit them more. On the other hand, organizations will need to rethink every element in all departments to harness the adoption of digital technology while also inculcating a learning culture to ensure they fit the current times” - Ken Mwenda, Managing Director eMobilis Technology Institute of Technology.

The Summit has offered a platform for the participants to learn, network, and exchange ideas with experts and actors in the digital space to help organizations implement the best technology and digital strategies in accordance with global trends and consumer needs. This will also help position Kenya as an ICT hub of Africa and at an advantage development-wise.