Kenya’s
Principal Secretary for the State Department of ICT and Digital Economy, John
Kipchumba Tanui has hosted the Undersecretary for ICT & Postal Services of
South Sudan, Dr. Lado Wani Kenyi who arrived in Kenya for a study tour focused
on advancing digital connectivity. The two leaders, joined by officials from
both nations, discussed a range of strategic initiatives aimed at bolstering
regional integration through technology and digital infrastructure.
Dr. Kenyi,
welcomed by Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Information, Communications, and
Digital Economy, Dr. Margaret Ndung’u, was met with assurances of Kenya’s
commitment to regional collaboration. During their bilateral discussions,
facilitated by Thomas Bwalei, Director of Programs and Standards at Kenya’s ICT
Authority, the leaders explored shared opportunities for advancing digital
transformation and economic growth within Eastern Africa.
At the core of
the discussions was the Eastern Africa Regional Transport and Trade
Facilitation Project (EARTTDFP), a significant collaboration aimed at linking
Kenya’s Mombasa submarine cable to Juba, South Sudan, via a fiber optic
network. This ambitious initiative not only promises to enhance connectivity
between the two nations but also aims to facilitate trade, communication, and
economic integration across the region.
Through
knowledge exchange and shared technological frameworks, the two countries aim
to leverage digital tools to spur innovation, drive down barriers to entry for
emerging businesses, and empower local tech talent.
Dr. Kenyi,
accompanied by South Sudan’s Director Mach Abraham Jok and Director Baranya Toe
Chaplin, expressed South Sudan’s dedication to accelerating its own digital
landscape, noting Kenya’s role as a model for success. Drawing from Kenya’s
well-established digital infrastructure and innovation ecosystem, South Sudan
is preparing to implement similar strategies to close the connectivity gap and
catalyze growth across sectors.
By: Nana Appiah Acquaye
