Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for the Ministry of Information, Communication and the Digital Economy, Hon. Eliud O. Owalo has been adjudged the Digital Economy Personality of the Year at the 8th Africa Digital Economy Awards (ADEA) 2023, held on 10th November, at the Emara Ole Sereni Hotel in Nairobi, Kenya.
The Digital Economy Personality of the Year is in recognition of his impeccable role in driving digitalization in Kenya as well as his role as CS for the Ministry of Information, Communication and the Digital Economy which has birthed several initiatives and innovations making Kenya a digital hub in the continent.
Hon Owalo has been the torchbearer for the Kenyan Government’s quest to be an ICT innovation hub and unlock the digital economy potential through the implementation of the National ICT Policy, Digital Economy Blueprint, the Kenya Start-Up Act, and Data Protection Act, Misuse and Cybercrimes Act and the Konza Technopolis project among others.
His leadership has seen the robust digitization of government services through the eCitizen platform, the implementation of the paperless government agenda, the SchoolNet program, the creation of over 174 digital hubs in communities and learning institutions across Kenya, the provision of over 25,000 free Wi-Fi hotspots across Kenya and the roll out of Made in Kenya smartphone manufacturing among many others.
CS Owalo has been a pathfinder in Africa’s digital economy space leading the East African nation to flourish in the digital ecosystem making it one of the ten fastest growing digital economies in the world – a longstanding leader in technology innovation across sub-Saharan Africa, notably, Kenya is the hub for Fintech.
The CS who has confirmed his attendance of the 8th African Digital Economy Awards ceremony will also deliver a welcome address where he will be discussing Digitalization and the Kenyan Economy.
Themed, “Celebrating Digital Excellence” ADEA in its 8th year will celebrate and honour Africa’s digital champions, innovators, creativities, and inventions across multiple areas whose contributions have significantly impacted the digital growth and security of the African economy during the gala night.
Powered by the Digital Economy Magazine, ADEA, following 7 successful editions in West Africa, is holding in Kenya in its 8th edition to engender Pan-Africanism in digitalization. The awards scheme has become a benchmark for digital excellence in Africa and has over the years propelled Africa’s rise in the fourth industrial revolution.
Group Publisher of the Digital Economy Magazine Mr. Akin Naphtal who doubles as CEO of ISO–certified InstinctWave, organisers of the event, said there is a need for Africa to recognize and applaud the pioneers and frontrunners in the continent’s digitalization journey, all of whom play a pivotal role in advancing the digitization of every sector of our economies.
“CS Eliud Owalo is a shining example of the frontrunners of Africa’s digital economy ensuring that Africa is not left behind in the fourth industrial revolution, and ought to be celebrated” Mr. Naphtal noted.
By: Alexander Bombande-Digital Economy Magazine
