Information, Communications and The Digital Economy Cabinet Secretary Eliud Owalo has today presided over the official launch of the Planning Committee of the inaugural Lake Region International Development Conference.
The Lake Region International Development Conference seeks to encourage and promote discussions on development issues in the Nyanza region.
Speaking during the launch of the Conference, whose theme is ‘Towards Economic Transformation of the Nyanza Region’, CS Owalo pointed out that Information, Communication and Technology (ICT) is critical in the government’s development agenda.
“As we roll out ICT in other areas, we will also ensure that the Nyanza region is covered. ICT is a game changer and it is bringing in earnings of over Shs 200,000 a month to our youth,” said CS Owalo.
CS Owalo noted that the government is setting up digital schools and laboratories in Technical & Vocational Education and Training Institutions (TVETs) to empower youth with digital skills and create employment opportunities.
He pointed out that the government is rolling out 25,000 free WiFi hotspots in market centers and other public spaces in an effort to increase the fibre-optic coverage and internet access in the country that will enhance e-commerce.
The CS noted that the Conference is not a political initiative, but an economic initiative, and therefore called on professionals and leaders from Nyanza to join hands in transforming the Lake region, noting that the Conference has already attracted over 70 professionals on a voluntary basis.
CS Owalo further called for Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) in making the Conference a success, adding that the Kenya Kwanza government is very keen on developing the Lake region.
The focus of the Lake Region International Development Conference, which will be held in October 2023 in Kisumu City, will include Blue Economy, Irrigation, Climate Change, Youth, Gender, Agriculture, ICT, Tourism, Sports, Culture and the Arts, among other areas of interest to the region.
