Kenya’s COVID-19 ICT Advisory Committee has picked 63 innovations for potential support and scale up, in the first round of call for submission of ICT innovations that facilitates the efforts towards combating the pandemic and beyond, as well as stimulating economic activities.
The 63 were identified out of the 412 applications received in the first round of call for submission to the committee. The potential innovations identified are divided into the five (5) categories as follows:
- Health : 24
- Education : 7
- Agriculture : 3
- Transport : 8
- Economy : 21
Among the committee’s mandate is to identify, support and aid in scaling up local ICT solutions that can support the country in its efforts to combat the Covid-19 pandemic and beyond.
Thus the Committee will link the identified innovators to Government Agencies and connect them to incubation hubs, funding opportunities and accelerators where applicable.
Further, the Committee hosted a virtual showcase that was held on 27th July 2020 where 15 out of the 63 innovations showcased.
“In examining the viability and scalability of the proposed solutions, the Committee has forwarded several proposals to my office for review on key ICT initiatives and policies to respond to the pandemic and beyond, in order to mitigate the effects of the pandemic on individual livelihoods, communities and the economy.”
ICT Cabinet Secretary Joe Mucheru,
It was demonstrated by the COVID-19 ICT innovation webinar that the fourth industrial revolution provides a spring board for Africa to leapfrog the industrialization roadmap whilst leveraging Kenya’s competitive strengths in health, Research &Development and ICT for preventive healthcare and development of diagnostic and therapeutic health technologies. As such, it requires a sector specific innovation system that brings together government, academia and private sector to harness the scientific, innovative and entrepreneurial capacity.
The webinar was the first in a series of showcases planned by the Committee to showcase ICT innovations to a wider audience, engage with stakeholders and also preview the innovations for potential investors to scale them for the public good.
The second call for submissions is ongoing and closes on 21st August 2020 as well as the second showcase is scheduled for 24th August 2020.
“Therefore, the Advisory Committee strongly encourages ICT innovators to submit their applications”
The COVID-19 ICT Advisory Committee was formed on 21st April by ICT, Innovation and Youth Affairs Cabinet Secretary Joe Mucheru to coordinate ICT responses towards the pandemic.
The Advisory Committee is chaired by Communications Authority of Kenya Acting Director General, Mercy Wanjau with Peter Njonjo as Vice-Chair. Members include Joseph Sitienei; Ory Okolloh; Shikoh Gitau; Hilda Moraa; Mahmoud Noor and Kevin Atibu. The Secretariat has James Njeru; Mercy Tepla; Alvin Amuyunzu; Rahab Juma; Augustus Munywoki and John Kiria.
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