The government has embarked on developing robust policy, legal and regulatory environment to accelerate the digital transformation in the country so as to spur growth in the technology sector.
While officiating the launch of Glovo Glovo Micro fulfilment centre in Nairobi, Principal Secretary State Department for Information Communication Technology and Innovation Jerome Ochieng, said that adoption of new technologies and sustained innovation are imperative in order to secure a strong future in the digital economy.
“The draft Digital Economy Strategy of Kenya 2021 once it goes the whole process will provide a roadmap through which the country will promote adoption and deployment of technology as we seek to become a middle-income knowledge economy by the year 2030,” said Jerome.
Additionally, he noted that the enactment of the Data Protection Act 2019 to regulate the collection and processing of personal data was also a critical component in stimulating public confidence in the digital transformation agenda.
According to Ochieng, the delivery sector needs to build on its vast network for enhanced last mile deliveries, latching on the momentum created by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Ochieng quoted some reports that revealed that the total value of e commerce in Africa reached 16.5 billion dollars in 2017 and is expected to reach 29 billion dollars in 2022.
“As government we are committed to tapping this potential for the benefit of our citizens. I urge all players in the digital space to explore the available opportunities to develop new products as well as add value to existing products in order to build momentum towards a vibrant e commerce in the Country,” he said.
On Covid-19, he said that in as much as the pandemic has greatly affected all sectors of the global economy, it has however brought greater appreciation of the role of technology and innovations in meeting the demands of today’s challenges.
However, he advised the delivery sector to build on its vast network for enhanced last mile deliveries, latching on the momentum created by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Ochieng lauded Glovo efforts in making Kenya their preferred investment location for the first micro fulfilment centre in Africa, further acknowledging the work of ICT staff who have kept such digital spaces highly available and secure amidst a global increase in cyber threats.
“Keep innovation and developing new products and services that meet the ever-growing demand of a digitally engaged populace, “he concluded.
Glovo CEO Oscar Pierre who was present during the launch thanked the government for the conducive business environment in the country, affirming that business is good.
Glovo is a start-up founded in 2015 in Barcelona and, since then, has expanded its operations to three continents – Europe, Africa, and South America.
The service is present in over 20 countries and more than 100 cities (including Paris, Madrid, Sao Paulo, Buenos Aires, Istanbul, Cairo, Uganda, Portugal, South Africa and Kenya among other Countries.
