July 25th 2019
By Cheruiyot Korir
A report that provides Kenya with strategic recommendations on how to develop a roadmap for emerging technologies such as distributed ledgers and the Artificial Intelligence (AI) for the next fifteen years has been released.
The report that offers an assessment of emerging technologies and their deployment in different parts of the world, has recommend to the government to use Block chain Technology and Artificial Intelligence to fight and eliminate corruption to protect the interest of citizens. The report recommends to the government to leverage on Blockchain and AI technology solutions to combat corruption and promote transparency because their records are immutability.
Speaking during the handing over of the report to the Cabinet Secretary for ICT Mr. Joe Mucheru, at the Teleposta Towers today, the Chairman of the Distributed Ledger and Artificial Intelligence Taskforce, Dr Bitange Ndemo, said, the report also recommends use of blockchain technology to strengthen democracy and elections in the country.
Dr Ndemo observed that, if the country utilize block chain technology and AI during the general elections, there would be improved integrity and trust in the voting process that will eliminate disputes and conflicts among different competing political interest groups
The Chairman, who is also the University of Nairobi don and a former Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of ICT, said that, the report further recommends use of the emerging technologies to facilitate financial inclusion through use of a National Payment Gateway under a Public Private Partnership (PPP) model.
He said, the payment gateway would be the central point for all digital transactions that creates an ecosystem where payment modes such as ATMs, banks, mobile money interact which each other among others. He noted that the process will reduce the cost of transactions that mark the start of transition from a cash based economy to a full digital economy.
While receiving the document, Mr Mucheru said there has been huge demand for the report as its implementation will revolutionize the digital space in the country.
Mr Mucheru said the document will be released to Kenyans to give their views and input before it is take to parliament for discussion. Mr Mucheru said the government would fully support the recommendations.
The members of the taskforce included, John Gitau, John Walubengo , Lesley Chege, Fred Michuki, Michael Onyango, Elizabeth Ondula, Charity Wayua, Sachin Kamath, Mahmoud Noor, Eng. Daniel Obam, Martin Murungi, Stephen Chege and Juliana Rotich