The Nation Media Group partnered with Bomet County Government to co-host the Bomet Digital Conference that was held last month in the County Headquarters.

The Conference brings together leading information Communication Technology (ICT) experts, entrepreneurs and policy-makers.

Speaking during the event, ICT and Digital Economy Principal Secretary John Tanui emphasized the need to tap youths’ talent and put them into good use.

The PS said the government has started laying 100,000 kilometers of fibre optic cables to boost internet connectivity.

“We are rolling out 25,000 free Wifi hotspots countrywide to enable youths in every civic ward to link with the world and ply their trade,” Mr Tanui said.

He added that ICT contributes 15 per cent to the global GDP. Kenya is at seven per cent while China is approaching 50 percent.

Governor Hillary Barchok said plans to construct a software hub in Mulot was at an advanced stage with land having been secured.

Mr Kenneth Oyolla, NMG’s Chief Commercial Officer, said there was need for the youth to upgrade their digital skills and drive the economic transformation of the country.

“It is encouraging that half of those who are taking part in the hackathon (an event in which a large number of people meet to take part in collaborative computer programming competition are women.” Mr Oyolla said.