Right Digital Skills Will Enable Citizens Leverage Emerging Technologies, DG Chiloba Tells Global Policy Forum
By Cyber Era NG Special Correspondent
The Director-General of The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) Ezra Chiloba has told a global ICT policy forum that states must ensure that citizens possess the necessary skills to enable them tap into the immense benefits brought by ICTs.
Mr. Chiloba who spoke at the virtual 2021 World Telecommunication/ICT Policy Forum (WTPF-21) said that without the right digital skills, it would be difficult for people to make meaning and take advantage of the opportunities that abound in the ICT sector, particularly the 4th Industrial Revolution that seeks to bring profound changes in in technological applications.
‘‘Indeed, as the 4th Industrial Revolution (4IR) beckons us, there is a sense of urgency for all of us gathered here to ensure we do all we can to leverage its transformative benefits to our societies in particular, and humanity in general. But to be able to do so, we must ensure that our people have the necessary access to diverse services, possess requisite skills and know-how to manipulate ICTs for their own good.,’’ he said.
He said Kenya, through its National ICT Policy and Digital Economy Blueprint, has continued to put in place measures to confer ICT benefits to the citizens, to ensure they derive value and lead meaningful lives while solving everyday challenges.
‘‘We are encouraging diverse investments in ICT infrastructure, engendering the local assembly and manufacturing of devices, strengthening of our payments and logistics infrastructure, as well as growth and adoption of local e-commerce platforms with a global reach,’’ he added.
The CA DG pointed out that the other priority areas include ensuring trusted security and certification infrastructure for all electronic communication and transactions, tackling cyber security challenges, and promoting inclusivity by encouraging gender equality and accessibility to persons with disabilities.
‘‘Therefore as we embrace new frontiers such as the 5G, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), Big Data, OTTs, and many others, we are alive to the fact these technologies will never make meaning if we don’t empower our citizens with the necessary skills and capability to leverage their immense transformative potential,’’ he emphasized.
He challenged the global ICT community to rally together to foster an enabling environment that will see ICTs play a pivotal role in socio-economic progress of many countries.
‘‘It is no mean task, but if we remain united in purpose and work together, we can create a truly integrated global ICT ecosystem that will drive economies, enrich lives and close digital gaps in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),’’ noted the CA DG.
Chiloba also used the opportunity to solicit for support for Kenya’s candidature for the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Council position, in elections set for next year in Romania. The ITU Council is one of the highest decision making organs of the UN specialized agency for ICTs.
‘‘The government of the Republic of Kenya offers her candidature for re-election to the ITU Council under region D, and therefore seeks the favourable support of Member States during the upcoming ITU Plenipotentiary Conference scheduled to take place from 26th September to 14th October 2022, in Bucharest, Romania,’’ said Chiloba.
The WTPF is a non-treaty forum organized by the ITU and facilitates sharing of ideas and information around emerging issues resulting from technological advancements and the changing telecommunication landscape.
This year’s event was held from 16th to 18th December 2021.
