OSORO: Fourth Industrial Revolution Commission needed in Kenya

Kenya has been vigorously advocating digital transformation and a transition into a digital economy in all facets. This includes from e-government to enterprise. But the results from this massive advocacy indicate that there is need to move a little further into a technological catch-up game.

This, therefore, calls for upgrading our manufacturing through hyperphysical processing such as 3D printing and heightened utilisation of data as a factor of production. High-speed mobile internet, artificial intelligence, big data analytics and cloud technology are set to spearhead companies’ adoption of new technologies.

However, this is only possible if a legal body is established to manage wholesome government and society participation in the Fourth Industrial Revolution (Industry 4.0).

Thus, establishment of a Fourth Industrial Revolution Commission resembling the South African Presidential Commission on Fourth Industrial Revolution is ripe in Kenya.

To put this into perspective, as a country we are at a critical point technologically. We need to make a great leap forward. This points to our technological advancement, looking at a number of soft products, thought and actualised locally, but are now global brands. The M-Pesa platform is a fantastic example.

Developed countries in Europe, the Americas and Asia have succeeded by focusing on the application of Artificial Intelligence as a major catalyst towards useful participation in the Fourth Industrial Revolution, which refers to smart and connected production systems made possible by new technologies. To add to this phenomenal transformation is the increased use of automation and data exchanges.

Smart production integrates and controls production using sensors and equipment connected to digital networks supported by AI. This entails new forms of interaction between humans and machines through the combination of traditional and new technologies.

Smart production also changes economies and societies; how people relate with each other, and the environment. However, it requires profound institutional changes in order to enhance its adoption in the country.

The use of Industry 4.0 technologies in manufacturing can increase productivity and reduce the environmental impact of industrialisation and may create rather than replace jobs. Unfortunately though, most firms in Kenya are not ready to use such technologies because of our mediocre digital infrastructure.

Therefore, there is a risk of slow industrialisation and dissemination of Industry 4.0 in manufacturing. This further increases socioeconomic inequalities and continuously keeps the country behind in matters development.

Kenya requires appropriate science, technology and innovation policies to the level of its development to prepare people and firms for a period of rapid change. This will require a balanced approach; building a robust and diversified industrial base while disseminating Industry 4.0 technologies in manufacturing.

It will also require forging and strengthening partnerships and international collaborations to facilitate economic diversification and technology dissemination and adoption by manufacturing firms in the country.

The impact of, and responses to the Covid-19 pandemic have accelerated the dissemination of digital technologies in an era of already significant technological advances based on Industry 4.0 technologies. Some of those technologies include AI, robotics and the Internet of Things.

Thus, establishing a Fourth Industrial Revolution Commission in Kenya through an Act of Parliament or by a Presidential Decree is the easiest way to come to terms with these rapid technological changes in government and corporate business ventures.

The main objective of such a commission will be to develop an integrated national and county governments’ strategy for responding to participation in Fourth Industrial Revolution.

This will include detailed interventions to be carried out in achieving competitiveness in key sectors of the economy, especially agriculture, finance, mining, manufacturing, ICT and electronics, with science, technology and innovation as the driving forces.

Kenya cannot afford to miss the wave of technological change that’s sweeping the world. Much will depend on national and county governments’ policy responses, partnerships and above all political goodwill.

Digital transformation specialist. He authored the book 'Digital transformation in Africa'