Commonwealth Telecommunications Organization Forum 2015

In the wise words of Dr Fred Matiang’i the Cabinet Secretary to the Ministry of Information, Communications and Technology, “this theme could not have been more relevant.” He was referring to the official agenda of the conference towards a connected commonwealth. Cabinet Secretary Dr Matiang’i went on the reiterate that “it is time when countries are seeking are solutions to expand their access of internet and ICTs to citizens.” For the ordinary mwanainchi this provides immense hope for the future, simply because problems we face with connectivity here in Kenya are also being faced in Pakistan. It is for this reason that the initiative of these countries coming together to share what solutions work for them, to learn what works for others and bridging the gap between the two could have a very progressive impact.

Above and beyond the serious conversations that characterized day one of the conference was Mr Shola Taylor, the Secretary-General elect of the CTO, taking the oath of office. Throughout the day congratulatory messages from speakers, delegates and panel members continued to pour in. It is on a sad note however that the out-going Secretary-General Professor Tim Unwin was unable to be there for this momentous ceremony due to scheduling conflicts. He nonetheless sent his congratulations as well via video link which was well received.

As with most forums focused on telecommunications in Kenya, the continual battle between Safaricom and Airtel -during the panel session on regulation- eclipsed the conversation. Naturally the Communications Authority through their proficient leadership of Mr Francis Wangusi, the Director General of the Communications Authority of Kenya, was on hand to mediate. It was with intense interest that the delegates and attendees followed the heated discussion, searching for solutions they could take away that would benefit consumers in their countries.

The second day of the Forum promises to be equally exciting. At the heart of dialogue will be utilising connectivity, connecting the most marginalised, global m-commerce, future trends in technology, mobile money innovations and the role of youth in ICTs.

For more information please visit: http://www.cto.int/events/upcoming-events/cto-forum-2015/