Dr
Kipsang has reiterated the government's pledge to have Internet connectivity in
all parts of the country by next year.
He
said it will promote digital literacy for schools and special emphasis will go
to people living with disabilities.
Dr
Kipsang was alluding to the completion of the second phase of the
multibillion-shilling, China-funded National Optic Fibre Backbone, which is
being implemented by the Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
Authority for the Ministry of ICT to serve all 47 counties.
He
said the government has reviewed funding for science, technology and innovation
(STI) as the foundation for socio-economic development. It has been reviewed to
address the challenges facing the sector, adding that its funding had increased
from 0.5 per cent of Gross Domestic Product to two per cent.
Dr
Kipsang said specific STI measures and polices have been adopted, including
establishing a Research Endowment Fund, which provides $4 million (Sh 410
million) for research annually. Others are a National Physical Science Research
Laboratory, a Kenya Institute of Nanotechnology and a University Research
Chairs Programme.
There
is also the STI Mentorship Programme to enhance the participation of girls in
science and technology subjects at the secondary school level.
By Kelvin Kuria
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