Kenya’s tech ecosystem in 2024 stands as a testament to both remarkable progress and persistent challenges.The “Silicon Savannah” continues to capture global attention, boasting achievements that have solidified its reputation as a hub for innovation. This year alone, M-Pesa, the world’s leading mobile money platform, processed over $60 billion in transactions, while the Huduma Namba 2.0 initiative was launched to strengthen and transform access to government services for millions of citizens. These milestones reflect the tangible impact of Kenya’s technological strides, but they also underscore the cracks in the system—from digital inequality to cybersecurity threats— that hinder a fully realised tech-driven economy. Among this year’s highlights is that Kenya’s tech start-up ecosystem saw reduced funding investment in 2024, compared to the highs of 2022 and the first half of 2023. Kenya— whose vibrant tech ecosystem has long been classified among Africa’s ‘Big Four’ alongside Nigeria, Egypt, and South Africa—led the pack by taking a third of $ 384 million funding poured into the continent’s start-ups.This year also saw a lot of investment poured into Kenyan start-ups in artificial intelligence (AI) and the varied climate tech pool, adding to years of large deals in the financial technology (fintech) and e-commerce fields.The reimagined Huduma Namba 2.0 initiative marked a transformative leap in digital governance. By seamlessly integrating with various public services, it streamlined access and significantly reduced corruption, setting a benchmark for e-governance in Africa. Kenya’s commitment to environmental sustainability shone through its renewable energy advancements. Startups like BasiGo received over Sh5.8 billion to introduce electric buses in East African urban centres by the end of 2026, while GreenCharge expanded solar energy storage solutions in rural areas. “Technology is at the heart of our climate action strategy,” remarked Environment Principal Secretary Festus Ngeno. These advancements reinforced Kenya’s alignment with global sustainability goals, leveraging innovation to combat climate change. However, the much-anticipated Robotics and AI Bill 2023 faced rejection in Parliament, a setback that sparked widespread debate.Critics argued it lacked sufficient stakeholder consultation and risked stifling innovation with overly stringent controls.This highlighted a pressing need for balanced policy-making that fosters growth while ensuring ethical practices. One of the most inspiring developments was the establishment of the Timbuktoo Green Tech Hub in Kenya by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Kenya’s Ministry of Information, Communications, and Digital Economy. Supporting groundbreaking startups like EcoPlastics, which develops biodegradable packaging, and GreenCharge, this hub emerged as a beacon of sustainable innovation. However, Kenya also grappled with a growing e-waste problem. Yet, 2024 was not without its lessons. The importance of digital inclusion cannot be overstated. Expanding affordable internet access and providing low-cost devices to underserved communities must become national priorities.Similarly, cybersecurity demands immediate attention. (ICE NAIROBI)

Fonte notizia: Business Daily