Trade Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria has called on all local developers in the country to entrench innovation in their craft and also produce a proper competitive edge in how they operate.
Kuria said those in the development sector, will be supported but they in turn need to do what is required to grow the industry.
He was speaking in Nairobi during the launch of a ride-hailing app on Monday.
“To all local developers, yes I want to support you but I will not protect you. You will need to be innovative and competitive,” Kuria said.
Kuria spoke highly of local developers noting they have what it takes to compete on a large-scale level that will be beneficial to their businesses.
“If there is one area that Kenya has got an opportunity to be a global leader, it is in technology and fintech. This is our oil and gold. We have done it with Mpesa and we can do it again,” he said.
“It’s not just on software technology but all other technologies including engineering technology, electric mobility, and all other emerging technologies.”
Kuria urged fellow regulators like the Central Bank of Kenya and the Communications Authority of Kenya not to be conservative and have a fresh mindset on how things are done.
He added that there is a need for Kenya to be bold, innovative and flexible in order to succeed in the current economic times and on a global scale.
“We cannot compete with Saudi Arabia on oil and I cannot compete with DRC on minerals but I can be in the market relying on technology, fintech and innovation and create jobs for our people and not just here in Kenya,” Kuria said.
