March 9^th 2018                                By Christine Mwaura/ Cheruiyot Korir

Investors in the ICT sector will be will get tax incentives and work permits to motivate them set up their operations to generate employment and technological innovations, Cabinet Secretary for ICT Joe Mucheru has said.

Mr. Mucheru said the government would also formulate friendly policy and regulatory frameworks to attract investments in the sector to support national economic growth. He said economic advancement would generate wealth and promote democracy in the society.

He said the government is committed to supporting innovation by collaborating with the private sector to set up incubation laboratories and accelerators for startups.

Speaking at the University of Nairobi today at the close of the Nairobi Innovation Week, Mr Mucheru said the government aims at improving living standards in the country by leveraging on technology to boost food security, affordable housing, manufacturing and universal health care.

He said the government plans to invest in blockchain technology to transform health care system in the country and allow every citizen to get affordable health cover.

The Cabinet Secretary regretted high medical expenses that have impoverished many families who he observed, sell off their family property to settle medical bills. He said the government was concerned over plight of citizens who do not afford medical treatment and noted that the challenge the Big Four Agenda spelt out by the government will address the issue.

Some of the innovations exhibited at the Nairobi Innovation Week included those that provide solutions to health, environment, and food security.