Information, Communications and the Digital Economy Cabinet Secretary Eliud Owalo has urged leaders and professionals from Nyanza to join hands in bringing development to the region.
The CS spoke on Wednesday when he was presiding over the official launch of the Planning Committee of the inaugural Lake Region International Development Conference.
"The conference is not a political initiative, but an economic initiative. Therefore I am calling on professionals and leaders from Nyanza to join hands in transforming the Lake region," the CS said.
He said the conference has already attracted over 70 professionals voluntarily.
Owalo said it seeks to encourage and promote discussions on development issues in the Nyanza region.
The CS said the conference's theme is 'Towards Economic Transformation of the Nyanza Region'.
Owalo said 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 Sh200,000 a month to our youth," Owalo said.
The CS said the government is setting up digital schools and laboratories in Technical and Vocational Education and Training Institutions (TVETs) to empower youth with digital skills and create employment opportunities.
He said the government is rolling out 25,000 free Wi-Fi hotspots in market centres and other public spaces to increase the fibre-optic coverage and internet access in the country which will enhance e-commerce.
He 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 conference, which will be held in October in Kisumu 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.