On 13th September 2023, KEPSA, led by the Deputy CEO Mr Victor Ogalo held a meeting with Safaricom Plc., represented by the Technology Manager Mr Benjamin Makkai and the Program Manager heading the Education sector, Mr Edward Macharia at the KEPSA offices. The meeting featured discussions on the data mining and monetization strategy for KEPSA, with key insights from Safaricom Plc.

Mr. Ogalo emphasized the importance of leveraging data to create value for KEPSA's members, investors, trade missions, and presidential delegations, as a resource for identifying trends, gaps and opportunities. Both KEPSA and Safaricom acknowledged the untapped potential in Safaricom's data resources, and explored ways to monetize this data, potentially by offering it as a service to KEPSA members and stakeholders.

Safaricom Plc, with its expertise in data management, was identified as a strategic partner to help KEPSA explore, understand, and develop a roadmap for data mining. It was underscored that data, when effectively mined, is akin to a valuable resource.

The discussion also highlighted the need for accessible information in the private education sector to aid potential investors in making informed decisions about investments in densely populated areas. Additionally, market intelligence was identified as a critical tool for understanding regional demand and tailoring business strategies accordingly. The concept of shared value was introduced, emphasizing the importance of businesses contributing positively to the ecosystems in which they operate. The idea was to move beyond profit and consider how organizations could benefit society while achieving their objectives.

As a means to fully harness the power of data, there was a need to consolidate disintegrated data from KEPSA members and the government. However, it was noted that Safaricom, due to data protection regulations, must handle this process carefully to avoid potential fines. Safaricom committed to collaborating with KEPSA and its data scientists to create a framework that would transform the concept into a reality. The objective being to establish a sustainable commercial model that benefits both parties.

KEPSA's objectives for utilizing the mined data include; geo-mapping businesses, identifying markets for its members, and employing it in policy advocacy efforts. The meeting further addressed the difficulties entrepreneurs face when navigating licensing and regulatory requirements. The idea of creating a centralized repository of such information was considered beneficial for prospective business owners.

Safaricom requested the following from KEPSA:

• To share a detailed concept for data mining.

• To demonstrate the ability to pay for and sustain the service, and

• For both parties, a debrief with their respective teams and the organization of a follow-up meeting to move the initiative forward.

KEPSA, as an organization with members across various sectors, will explore how data mining can be applied at the county level and adapt the strategy to suit the diverse needs of different counties. The challenge of obtaining investment-related data, especially for cross-border ventures, was also discussed. The need for a platform that provides cost-effective access to investment information in various regions was recognized.

In conclusion, the meeting highlighted the significance of data as a valuable asset for KEPSA and its members. It showcased the potential for leveraging data to drive positive change in various sectors, from education to business development. The exchange of insights and ideas emphasized the importance of collaboration and the shared goal of creating value for businesses and communities. Collaboration with Safaricom Plc was seen as a crucial step toward realizing the potential of data mining and creating shared value. The participants expressed a commitment to further discussions and to develop a concrete plan for data monetization. This collaboration will hold the promise of contributing to economic growth and societal improvement in Kenya and beyond.

Also present in the meeting from the KEPSA team included Mr Harrison Ngatia – Head of SME Development; Mr David Ndwiga and Mr Jeremiah Kiplagat – Public Research & Analysis; Ms Stacey Mwende and Ms Mitchelle Akinyi – Marketing and Membership; and Ms Rita Ondeng’e – Public Research & Analysis and Public-Private Dialogue.