Kenya is seen as a nation that has rapidly adopted digitization as it beats other African giants to grab the top spot.
According to a survey conducted by African Leapfrog Index (ALI), Kenya has experienced the greatest amount of change when it comes to digitization over the past decades as compared to other African countries.
ALI attributes Kenya’s internet penetration which currently falls at 80 percent and the mobile money services as the key contributors to the country’s digitization growth.
The use of mobile money services has been rampant in the country, accounting for 70 percent of the country’s total population.
Continuous innovations like M-Pesa, Mshwari, Ushahidi, M-KOPA, M-TIBA have improved and dominated the digital era in Kenya, making it easier and faster to make monetary transactions among individuals and business entities.
The Kenyan Government has also improved the quality of services to its citizens where Kenyans can get access to over 200 digitized services through the Huduma Centers and E- citizen portal countrywide.
Through the E-Citizen portal, Kenyans are able to apply for certificates and register for Government forms online, making it easier and faster to access government services by reducing congestions at the state offices.
“In the Ease of Creating Digital Jobs, Kenya’s institutions have enabled a favorable regulatory environment and promoted a high use of digital payments. The government has preserved internet freedoms and even harnessed social media to fight disinformation,” says ALI.
ALI, however, exposes the backends in the Health and Education sectors, stating that these areas are crucial for the future development of the country.
The Health and education sectors are lagging behind when it comes to embracing digitization, with ALI suggesting that these sectors need quick action and long-term strategic plan to be improved.
Another gap is seen where cash payments account for 71 percent of Kenya’s total payments despite the country being hailed for the Mpesa, its vast money transfer service.
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