Kenya IGF Online Discussion Day 4 : Emerging Technological trends

Listers,In addition to the two emerging technologies which are under consideration by a taskforce appointed by ICT Ministry, one reputable international technical journal has listed another 18 emerging technologies which will fundamentally change the world in the next twenty years.These technologies include 5G, passenger drones,Bluetooth 5.0, Quantum Computing,Smart Dust,Foam Batteries,Li-Fi (Light Fidelity),Deep Mapping ,Mixed Reality,Multi-sensory interfaces,Bio-based materials and Programmable materials.
These technologies are already at various stages of implementation in various parts of the world. 
John Kariuki

On Friday, July 13, 2018, 1:39:34 PM GMT+3, David Indeje via kictanet <[email protected]> wrote:

Listers,
It is true that as information becomes more accessible through the use of mobile devices for stakeholders throughout various sectors, people are gradually moving toward more efficient ways of enhancing efficiency, increasing incomes, and capturing more value by linking fragmented markets in the case of the agriculture sector.

However, it has been proven that many at times, people\’s existing  (local) knowledge, and expertise, or their experience in the context of the local operating environment is rarely taken into account when programs or solutions are designed for them.  Policy makers or developers need to have an understanding that the end user of any innovation is a customer not to be seen as a beneficiary. Therefore it is good to have policies in place that nurture domestic ICT skills. On the other hand, the government needs to ensure accessible and affordable tools, and  ensure that the private sector is capable of offering mobile broadband / infrastructural services at affordable prices

Kind Regards,

David Indeje 

 +254 (0) 711 385 945|  +254 (0) 734 024 856      Khusoko

    Skype: david.indeje 

On Fri, 13 Jul 2018 at 12:40, Ronald Ojino via kictanet <[email protected]> wrote:

Thanks Barrack for the response.Indeed emerging technologies play a great role in our society and they hold the key to the futureAs Ali has pointed out, it is unfortunate that there has been no feedback from the govt as regards policies to regulate these technologies . If there are policies we will definitely end up adapting these technologies in a structured manner. I hope this discussion injects some impetus to the policy formulation process for the emerging technologies.Artificial intelligence seems to have gotten a head start in terms of implementation across various sectors.1. Apart from Agriculture and Manufacturing, in which other sectors has AI been implemented (if possible examples)? 2. What of technologies such as IoT i.e smart grids/ smart agriculture etc, Virtual reality and Whitespace technology are they being implemented locally?3. What of blockchains, any progress in its implementation in the lands registry?Over to you members.

On Fri, Jul 13, 2018 at 12:29 PM, Ali Hussein via kictanet <[email protected]> wrote:

Barrack
I can confirm that no feedback was ever forthcoming from the Ministry on the Policy document that this list contributed to. 
Where we are at as a country the policy formulation related to these new technologies to ensure that the government keeps apace of not only regulatory issues regarding these technologies but also creating a continous enabling environment is a critical component of growing ICTs.
Regards

AliHussein

Principal

AHK & Associates

Tel: +254 713 601113

Twitter: @AliHKassim

Skype: abu-jomo

LinkedIn: ke.linkedin.com/in/alihkassim

13th Floor , Delta Towers, Oracle Wing,

Chiromo Road, Westlands,

Nairobi, Kenya.

Any information of a personal nature expressed in this email are purely mine and do not necessarily reflect the official positions of the organizations that I work with.
On Fri, Jul 13, 2018 at 9:54 AM, Barrack Otieno via kictanet <[email protected]> wrote:

Hi Ronald,

I will attempt to address the questions in no particular order.

1.  I think the current policy was developed in a forwad thinking
manner. It would also be nice to find out the status of the revised
policy. I am not sure whether Ali Hussein got any feedback from the
humble requests he had made to the Ministry on the state of the
revised Policy in any case we are doing fine.
2. Artificial Intelligence is already here. Many Kenyans are already
using artificial intelligence in Agriculture (automated Irrigation
Systems). Many drivers are also relying on google maps to manage
traffic and travel related issues.
3. There is need to create more awareness and build capacity on how
various sectors such as Agriculture, Manufacturing can benefit from
Artificial Intelligence. AI is largely being used by the urbanite and
has not been embraced fully by the citizenry beyond our major towns
and cities. With rural electrification , the conversation should be
extended to Rural areas.

I am also keen to understand whether there is any organization that
has implemented the TV Whitespace technology locally and the
requirements for the communications authority for any organization
that may want to deploy the technology for use in building community
networks.

Best Regards

On 7/13/18, Ronald Ojino via kictanet <[email protected]> wrote:
> Morning listers,
>
> Today, a range of technologies such as artificial intelligence, immersive
> tech, biotech, autonomous robots,  green energy and space travel etc— have
> entered the mainstream and begun to fundamentally disrupt business,
> geopolitics and everyday life around the world. During the next decade, we
> expect to start transitioning  into the next era of computing and connected
> devices, in which we will wear and will command using our voices, gestures
> and touch.
>
> As the world rapidly technologically evolves,
>
> – How are these trends being adopted locally?
>
> – What are the challenges faced in adopting these technologies locally ?
>
> – Do local policies cover these technologies?
>
> – What are the local measures that can be put in place to promote local
> innovation in future tech?
>
>
>
> Lets engage,
>
>
>
> Regards,
>
> Ronald Ojino
>
> —
> Faith is a living and unshakable confidence. A belief in God so assured
> that a man would die a thousand deaths for its sake.
>