NAIROBI, Nov. 29 (Xinhua) -- The Kenyan government and firms should adapt to new digital technologies such as robotics and artificial intelligence to help boost manufacturing sector, a new report launched on Thursday reveals.
The report by the Overseas Development Institute (ODI) and the Kenyan Association of Manufacturers (KAM) warns that the local manufacturing risks further de-industrialization if government and firms do not prepare for digital future.
Phyllis Wakiaga, KAM chief executive officer who launched the report, noted that technological advancements are changing the way the global market is operating, hence the need to adopt the new digital technologies across all sectors of the economy.
"Technological developments have changed the operations of the global market, which means that Kenya has to keep up with these trends in order to realize the Big 4 Agenda and Vision 2030," Wakiaga said.
She called for closer collaboration between the National and County Governments, industry and academia to fully unlock our potential in the digitalization age.
"Additionally, fostering research, development and innovation will boost the competitiveness of Industry," said Wakiaga.
The report, How to grow manufacturing and create jobs in a digital economy: 10 policy priorities for Kenya, calls on governments to better prepare for the future by providing financial support to help manufacturers access and take advantage of the Internet and other ICT technologies.
