Information Communication Technology Authority (ICTA), has signed a memorandum of understanding with Oracle to raise the level of technical understanding and IT skills required to underpin the deployment of eGovernment services in Kenya.\

The organizations will collaborate in the areas of capacity building, ICT literacy and awareness, best practice sharing, enterprise development and innovation. Initiatives will include internship and mentoring opportunities, sharing eGovernment best practices, corporate leadership activities that benefit the community, as well as enhancing ICT skills development programs and initiatives.

Based on the Kenya's National ICT Master Plan, a strategy to make the country an ICT hub that is globally competitive in the digital economy, the MOU deepens the cooperation between Oracle and the ICTA to broaden the IT skills in the region and support the transition of Kenya and its citizens to the digital age.

The move by the two parties is dedicated to driving Kenya's digital future by creating an environment where they will support citizens both in the public and private organizations in optimizing their business processes through the implementation of global best-in-class technology.

According to the cabinet secretary for ICT Fred Matiang'i, the government is looking to increase capacity in the sector with plans underway to create at least 37 commercial ICT companies in the next few years in collaboration with related firms to accomplish it.

"we need the collaboration of the private sector and academia to scale, which is why the initiative between ICT Authority and Oracle is so important. I commend Oracle for their focus on investing on enhancing the ICT capacity of Kenyans." Said Mr Matiang'i.