Trade ministry in conjunction with that of ICT have jointly launched the national e-commerce strategy, a preferential guide seeking to streamline the country’s online trade for growth.
The joint effort is aimed at fostering innovation and inclusivity to improve trade.
In includes development of digital skills between the workforce and entrepreneurs through improved Internet connectivity, and e-commerce-related infrastructure countrywide to alleviate the digital divide between gender, rural and urban areas.
It also emphasises the establishment of regulatory frameworks and standards for e-commerce transactions aimed at building trust among consumers.
The strategy aims at fostering a dynamic and tech-savvy business environment that capitalises on modern technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, robotics, 3D printing and the Internet of Things (IoT).
Motion pictures, biotechnology, Genomics and Nanotechnology are other key focus areas under the plan, with the ministry saying they are the basis of the fourth industrial revolution.
Trade PS Alfred K'Ombudo, hailed the approach saying it is aligned with the government’ Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) and the Kenya Vision 2030.
“It underscores Kenya's commitment to becoming a regional hub for e-commerce as an enabler of domestic and export trade for enhanced income generation, employment creation and poverty reduction,” K'Ombudo said.
ICT PS John Tanui said that the will help address the gender gap concern that prevails in the sector, and tackle the unending burden of unemployment among the youth.
The initiative is collaboration between the government, private sector, and industry experts, aiming at harness the full potential of digital commerce.
All the 47 counties are involved through the Council of Governors to ensure a balanced e-commerce development throughout the country.