Laying foundations for the 4th Industrial Revolution (4IR) in an emerging economy, the case for Kenya (2019)

This paper examines the difference between the fourth industrial revolution in emerging economies, as opposed to developed countries (the "west") with a focus on Kenya. Kenya’s readiness for 4IR and its prospects to improve sustainability, better equality, educational development in developing countries and technology pervasiveness. Kenya is a leading country in East Africa and its stable polity and Vision 2030 national plan has had it make significant gains towards transforming the country into a knowledge-economy. ICT plays a fundamental role in driving Kenya’s economic, social and political development as stated by Kenya Vision 2030 which is the national long-term economic development blueprint that aims to transform the country into a modern, globally competitive, middle-income country offering a high quality of life for all citizens by the year 2030.  The Vision is anchored on 3 pillars; Social, Political and, Economic and Macro pillar where the Konza Technopolis falls. The Vision identifies ICT as key enabler in the achievement of Economic Pillars. The paper does a review of the fourth industrial revolution, the challenges and opportunities it presents. It further does a situational analysis of Kenya and highlights the Government’s efforts and initiatives being undertaken to prepare the country for the 4IR. The paper delves into the significance of the infrastructure projects, policy framework and the talent and skills development programs in contributing to the readiness of Kenya for the technology revolution. One major program by the Government of Kenya that will see the country leapfrog into the technology revolution is the Konza Technopolis. This is a major flagship project towards attainment of Kenya’s Vision 2030 economic development portfolio which is informed by the need to create an area of innovation domiciled in a world-class smart Technopolis. Establishment of Konza Technopolis is the sole intervention under the Business Process Outsourcing and Information Technology Enabled Services sector within the Economic and Macro pillar of Vision 2030. The paper therefore analyses Konza’s role as a science and technology park and smart city in the science, technology and innovation realm. The paper discusses the projects currently being undertaken at Konza Technopolis that will ensure talent and skills development towards having a workforce that is ready work in and be able to meet the needs of 4IR at the evolving workplaces. Based on the findings on Kenya’s initiatives and situational analysis, the paper then gives recommendations on steps Kenya should take to ensure it leverages on and accrues the most benefits from the fourth industrial revolution.