Kenya’s ICT industry

Introduction

Kenya’s ICT industry has grown significantly in recent years and is now considered one of the most advanced in Africa. From mobile banking to e-commerce, the country’s ICT sector is driving innovation and economic growth. In this article, we will discuss the history and current state of the ICT industry in Kenya, its benefits to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and big tech companies, top IT companies, and services, job market in the sector, growth and statistics, importance of the ICT industry, problems facing the sector and conclusion.

History

Kenya’s ICT industry has a relatively short history. The first telephone lines were installed in the country in 1890 by the East Africa and Uganda Telegraph Company. However, it wasn’t until the late 20th century that the industry began to take off. The liberalization of the telecommunications sector in 1999 led to a significant increase in competition and investment, which in turn led to the growth of the ICT sector. Furthermore, the government of Kenya has made significant efforts to increase access to ICT infrastructure and services, including the establishment of the Communications Authority of Kenya (CAK) to regulate the sector.

Present times and growth

In recent years, Kenya’s ICT industry has experienced rapid growth. The country has one of the highest mobile penetration rates in Africa, with over 80% of the population having access to a mobile phone. This has led to the development of innovative services such as mobile banking and e-commerce. Additionally, the government has invested heavily in the sector, creating a conducive environment for businesses to thrive. According to the Communications Authority of Kenya (CAK), the ICT sector contributed 12.1% to the country’s GDP in 2019, and this is expected to grow in the coming years.

Benefits to SMEs and big tech companies

The ICT industry has greatly benefited SMEs in Kenya. With the advent of e-commerce platforms, SMEs now have access to a larger customer base and can compete with larger companies. Additionally, the use of ICT in business operations has led to increased efficiency and productivity. Big tech companies in Kenya have also benefited from the growth of the ICT sector, with many of them expanding their operations and increasing their workforce.

Top IT companies in Kenya

Some of the top IT companies in Kenya include Safaricom, Airtel Kenya, and Liquid Telecom. Safaricom is the largest telecommunications company in the country and offers a wide range of services including mobile banking, mobile money transfer, and mobile commerce. Airtel Kenya is another major player in the telecommunications industry, and Liquid Telecom is a leading provider of fiber optic internet services.

Top IT services

Some of the top IT services in Kenya include software development, web development, e-commerce, mobile app development, and IT consulting. Software development and web development are particularly popular, with many local and international companies outsourcing their IT needs to Kenya.

How to get a job in ICT sector, requirements, and salary

To get a job in the ICT sector in Kenya, it is important to have a relevant qualification, such as a degree in computer science, information technology, or a related field. Additionally, having relevant work experience and a good portfolio of projects can make you stand out. The salary for a job in the ICT sector in Kenya can vary depending on the position, qualifications, and experience. However, it is generally considered to be higher than the average salary in other sectors.

Growth and statistics

The ICT sector in Kenya has been growing at a fast pace over the past few years. According to the Communications Authority of Kenya continue growing in the coming years. Additionally, the number of mobile phone subscribers in Kenya has grown from 25 million in 2013 to over 45 million in 2019, and internet penetration has increased from less than 20% in 2010 to over 70% in 2019. The sector is expected to continue to drive innovation and economic growth in the country.

Importance of ICT industry

The ICT industry is important to the economic and social development of Kenya. It has created jobs and opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and has led to the development of innovative services such as mobile banking and e-commerce. Additionally, the use of ICT in business operations has led to increased efficiency and productivity. The ICT industry also plays a vital role in connecting people and businesses, as well as providing access to information and services.

Problems facing ICT sector

Despite the growth and success of the ICT industry in Kenya, there are still some problems facing the sector. One of the major issues is the lack of access to reliable and affordable internet in rural areas. Additionally, the sector faces challenges such as lack of skilled personnel, lack of government support, and inadequate infrastructure.

Conclusion

Kenya’s ICT industry has grown significantly in recent years and is now considered one of the most advanced in Africa. The sector has created jobs, increased efficiency, and driven innovation in the country. However, there are still challenges that need to be addressed in order to continue the growth of the ICT industry in Kenya.

Sources

  1. https://www.cak.go.ke/index.php/telecom-statistics
  2. https://www.techweez.com/2019/05/01/kenyas-ict-contribution-to-gdp-hits-12-1-percent/
  3. https://www.worldbank.org/en/country/kenya/brief/kenyas-ict-sector
  4. https://www.itnewsafrica.com/2017/09/kenyas-ict-sector-expected-to-continue-growing/
  5. https://www.businessdailyafrica.com/bd/corporate/companies/kenyas-ict-sector-growth-outstrips-gdp-expansion-2278332
/by