One of the things which really contribute to the development of tech and innovation hubs/clusters in any scientific field – whether software or biotechnology or whatever else – is normally the active participation and growth of university research labs and research programs. This is true of Silicon Valley in software and computer technology; the major biotech clusters in North America and high-tech in Israel.
That is why last week’s move by Nokia Research in collaboration with the University of Nairobi is a very significant milestone in Kenya (and the region’s) journey into becoming a full fledged tech hub. According to a report by Capital Business on this:
[The lab] will be used for software development by the university community, including students and the local software development community. In addition, a User Experience (UX) unit has also been set up alongside the labs to undertake research in this area.
The launch of the laboratory comes in the wake of major developments in the ICT sector in the country, with an increase in mobile phone and internet penetration, increased awareness and access to software products all buttressed by the arrival of the submarine fibre optic cables.
This partnership comes at a time of great digital promise to the country, with the government announcing it’s commitment to building crucial internet and digital infrastructure to enable access to faster, efficient, and affordable connections to Kenyans.
“This ground breaking project comes at a time of great digital promise in Kenya and in the region. Nokia Research Africa will continue to partner with the universities to offer viable solutions to local ICT challenges and to increase access to mobility,” said Ms Mokeira Masita-Mwangi, a Sociologist with NRC- Africa.
Read more:http://www.capitalfm.co.ke/business/Kenyabusiness/Nokia-partners-with-Kenya-university-4073.html#ixzz0mHW2DqQP
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What’s emerging slowly is a situation where individual pieces are falling into place and soon the convergence of these pieces will propel the country forward.
