CII Committee Holds Public Hearing on the Technopolis Bill 2024

The Communication Information and Innovation Committee, spearheaded by Hon. John Kiarie (Dagoretti South), convened a crucial public hearing yesterday regarding the Technopolis Bill 2024. The session, attended by various stakeholders, aimed to address pivotal concerns surrounding the proposed legislation.

Present at the hearing were PS ICT, Eng. Tonui, and Konza CEO, Mr. John Paul, who advocated for amendments to the bill. They underscored the global trend of nations leveraging the IT services sector as a catalyst for economic growth and job creation. Highlighting the significance of digital work models and Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) services, they outlined the government’s ambition to empower 1.5 million digital workers over five years.

However, legislators raised apprehensions regarding the governance structure of envisioned technopolises vis-à-vis smart cities. There were calls for enhanced collaboration among existing Technopolis entities and other sector stakeholders. Concerns were voiced over the absence of a clear framework delineating the composition of overseeing boards for smart cities, with Hon. Kiarie cautioning against potential abuses of power.

Proposals surfaced during the submissions, advocating for the establishment of individual councils for each technopolis to accommodate unique cultural dynamics. Additionally, lawmakers expressed dismay over the lack of youth representation in decision-making processes, despite their pivotal role in technological advancements.

Of notable concern was the apprehension that proposed amendments might disproportionately favor Konza, potentially skewing the trajectory of forthcoming smart cities. Lawmakers emphasized the necessity for the bill to foster inclusivity rather than exclusion, echoing PS Tonui’s sentiment that the ICT sector is pivotal for economic transformation.

In conclusion, the public hearing provided a platform for robust dialogue and highlighted the imperative need for a comprehensive framework to guide the development of technopolises and smart cities in Kenya. As discussions continue, stakeholders remain committed to crafting legislation that not only propels economic growth but also ensures equitable participation and representation across all sectors of society.