By Mwanaharusi Jilo

Mombasa, Kenya - October 6, 2023: Youth in Mombasa have received a compelling call to harness the vast opportunities in the digital economy. During a panel discussion held at the Swahilipot Hub in Mombasa as part of the recently concluded Pwani Innovation Week 2023, Senator Allan Chesang, the chairperson of the Senate Committee on Information and Communication Technology (ICT), emphasized the potential for innovation and entrepreneurship in the digital realm.

"Opportunities in the digital economy are abundant," declared Senator Chesang, representing Trans Nzoia County. "By marketing farmers' products through platforms like Alibaba, Amazon, and Glovo, one can succeed. Empowering the youth to invest in the digital and technology sectors promises to stimulate economic growth and positions Kenya as a technological leader on the African continent."

Nominated Senator Miraj Abdalla echoed the sentiment of the government's steadfast dedication to safeguarding the nation's digital assets. She quoted President William Ruto, who emphasized the significance of this commitment, stating, "Our resources are digitally protected." This statement reaffirms Kenya's determination to secure its digital resources in an era where technology underpins economic development.

Senator Miraj Abdalla (Left) seated with Trans Nzoia Senator Allan Chesang (Right) during the Pwani Innovation Week at Swahilipot Hub, Mombasa. Photo: Swahilipot Hub Media

Lamu Senator Shakila Abdalla, an integral part of the panel discussion, challenged conventional notions of innovation with a thought-provoking perspective. She contended, "Innovation doesn't necessarily entail the creation of entirely new concepts." Senator Abdalla advocated for self-sufficiency, suggesting that Kenya has the capability to manufacture everyday items like toothpicks and matchboxes domestically, thereby reducing reliance on imports.

Lamu Senator Shakila Abdala (Left) alongside Sen. Miraj (Center), Sen. Chesang (Left), and Kwale Senator, Hon. Issa Boi Juma visit an exhibition booth at the PIW 2023. Photo: Swahilipot Hub Media.

Furthermore, Senator Abdalla expounded on the potential of technology to expedite the growth of coconut trees, sharing, "We can utilize technology to reduce the time it takes for a coconut tree to mature from 6-9 years to just two years." Her insights underscored the transformative influence of technology across various sectors of the economy.

The panel discussions illuminated the immense potential within Kenya's digital and technological landscape. The government's commitment to safeguarding digital resources and innovative ideas presented by influential figures such as Senators Miraj Abdalla, Shakila Abdalla, and Allan Chesang exemplify a visionary outlook for Kenya's future.

This year's Pwani Innovation Week brought youth from across the Swahili coast to foster networking and exchange of innovative ideas. Under the theme "Sailing Beyond Borders," the event encouraged participants to envision a future where Kenya's youth are at the forefront of the digital revolution, driving individual success and national progress.