National

Telecommunication Day: UN says digital innovation crucial in addressing pressing challenges

Digital space.

By Yunis Dekow | Friday, May 17, 2024

One of Kenya's objectives outlined in Vision 2030 is digital development through a digital economy which aims to seamlessly link Kenyans with the global community.

Digital tools have the potential to accelerate human progress, but those who are not online are most at risk of being left behind.

The International Telecommunications Union, the UN Agency responsible for many matters related to information and communication technologies, observed the importance of digital tools during the commemoration of World Telecommunication Day on Friday.

The World Telecommunication Day, observed annually on May 17, commemorates the establishment of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the signing of the first International Telegraph Convention in 1865. This year’s theme is Digital Innovation for Sustainable Development.

Dr Cosmas Zavazava, the Director of Telecommunication Development Bureau, International Telecommunications Union, said from fighting climate change to eliminating hunger and poverty, digital technologies can help achieve 70 per cent of targets under the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

“Now more than ever, building a sustainable future demands innovative thinking and action in the digital world,” said Dr Zavazava.

He said digital innovation can help bring more people online in a way that contributes to advancing sustainable development and digital transformation.

The Director said the digital transformation of communities helps to fulfil national development ambitions.

“The design and development of low-cost technologies and devices that are accessible to all people will be a game changer. And there are already many examples of innovative, human-centric digital solutions around the world,” he added.

One of Kenya's objectives outlined in Vision 2030 is digital development through a digital economy which aims to seamlessly link Kenyans with the global community.

This will give room for products, services, and skills to transcend borders, unlocking new markets and propelling Kenya into the realm of first-world economies. The revolution will allow direct access to global markets, fostering unprecedented opportunities for growth and prosperity.

According to Statista, a global data and business intelligence platform, Kenya has an internet penetration rate of 32.7 per cent, which places it in the 35th position worldwide.

About 2.6 billion people remain unconnected to the internet worldwide, a digital gap that will hinder innovation across much of the world.

The Ministry of Information, Communications and the Digital Economy is aiming to develop an internet infrastructure such as reaching rural and urban areas.

The number of internet users in Kenya is forecast to increase significantly between 2024 and 2028.