By: Kanto
Kai Okanta
Kenya is exploring
opportunities to strengthen collaboration between government and the private
sector to advance digital infrastructure, financial inclusion and regional
trade, Principal Secretary for ICT and Digital Economy John Kipchumba Tanui has
said.
Tanui held discussions with
Equity Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Dr James Mwangi and
Sarah Kabira, Managing Director of the Technology Group, at Equity Group
headquarters.
The engagement focused on
opportunities for collaboration at the intersection of digital infrastructure,
financial inclusion and regional trade, as Kenya seeks to strengthen its
position as a continental hub for digital innovation and digitally enabled commerce.
Tanui said the future of
Kenya’s digital economy depends on how effectively technology, financial
services and enterprise are connected to create opportunities for businesses
and citizens. He emphasised that digital transformation must go beyond connectivity
to expand market access, unlock economic participation and strengthen financial
inclusion.
He identified Digital Public
Infrastructure (DPI) as a strategic enabler of this ambition, noting that
connecting digital systems with financial services and other essential economic
infrastructure can lower barriers to participation, improve access to financial
solutions and create new opportunities for enterprises to grow across Kenya and
the wider African market.
Financial inclusion remains
central to the government’s vision, particularly in expanding access to
financial services for small businesses and underserved communities. Tanui said
digital solutions linked to markets, payments and financing can help enterprises
move beyond subsistence towards sustainable growth and competitiveness.
He also stressed the need
for a whole-of-ecosystem approach involving government, financial institutions,
technology partners and businesses to strengthen the infrastructure, skills and
partnerships required for sustainable growth.
“Our strategic priority is
to translate digital transformation into tangible economic outcomes: greater
financial inclusion, expanded market access, stronger enterprises and new
opportunities for Kenyans,” Tanui said.
He thanked Mwangi and the
Equity Group team for the constructive engagement and their commitment to
exploring partnerships to advance Kenya’s digital economy and inclusive growth.
