The Cabinet Secretary for the Ministry of Information Mr. Eliud Owalo yesterday pledged that Kenya is fully ready to host the Transform Africa Summit 2024.
Speaking in Nairobi, the CS assured the Transform Africa Evaluation Team that Kenya has what it takes to host the Summit, which is one of Africa’s leading and most influential platforms on ICTs.
It is expected to attract approximately 5,000 participants, including international and regional leaders from governments, businesses, international organizations, civil societies, academia and young innovators to collaborate on new ways of influencing, accelerating and sustaining Africa’s developing digital revolution.
CS Owalo said the Transform Africa Summit Evaluation Team is in the country for 5 days to assess Kenya’s readiness to host the Summit and ascertain the status of internet connectivity, healthcare facilities, security, tourism prospects and transportation efficiency, amongst other key determining factors.
He stated that the Team is liaising with the Local Organizing Committee and other stakeholders to enable them meet officials needed to guide on the country’s assessment process and access meeting hosting facilities.
According to the CS, Kenya made its bid last year to host Transform Africa Summit 2024 through the Communications Authority of Kenya as the implementing Agency. He informed that should Kenya get the go ahead to host the Summit, the government is fully willing to offer multisector support to see the fruition of the event.
In his address, the Principal Secretary for the State Department for Broadcasting and Telecommunications, Prof. Edward Kisangani expressed optimism in Kenya hosting the Summit remarking that the government is at the forefront in promoting ICT services as the basis for social transformation. He observed that the Summit offers a platform for relationship building among nations.
On his part, ICT and the Digital Economy, Principal Secretary, Eng. John Tanui reiterated that the Summit will avail a rare chance for Africans to showcase excellent solutions for profiling in ICT. Adding that Africa has many opportunities to offer to the rest of the world and also support each other in various innovative aspects.
Speaking on behalf of the Transform Africa Summit Evaluation Team, Mr. Didier Kagabire, Chief Strategy and Growth Officer, Smart Africa, appreciated the efforts made by Kenya to apply for the hosting of the Summit, which brings the public and private sectors together. He noted that they are keen to engage with various stakeholders to understand Kenya’s preparedness in hosting the Summit.
He also noted that Kenya and other African countries founded Smart Africa, which is in charge of planning the Transform Africa Summit.
Mr. Kagabire was accompanied by officials from Smart Africa; Mr. Boniface Budandi, Director, Events, Partnerships and Marketing, Mr. Yvan Guehi, Director, Communications and Branding and Mr. Gasheja Pascal, Director, Finance and Corporate Affairs.