How to engage government for a robust local ICT sector

In the last decade having been thrust into the innards of various technology based businesses, it has become apparent that a key factor in maintaining industry frameworks and sustainable profitability is the constant engagement of industry publics to ensure big picture alignment.

These publics range from suppliers, customers, competitors and most importantly government.

As we shift to a knowledge-based society, we become a prime market for solutions that help achieve this objective. These solutions can be home-grown or from outside our borders.

A key differentiator in the season and opportunity we are in compared to days gone by is simple. We have the knowledge and talent to add value to homegrown solutions without the need to import.

Unfortunately, government policy since independence never quite catered for such a time as this and we must move swiftly to ensure that local enterprise is well taken care of and protected. This calls for consistent, informed and knowledgeable lobbying.

Defined frameworks

The interwebs present a stage where leaderless revolutions play out, often to mixed outcomes that are a higher percentage of fail than win. In the same breath, local technology-based businesses cannot resort to social media and picketing in an attempt to drive an agenda.

This is both unsustainable and ineffective and soon dies down as it lack the dynamics and funding of NGO type activist operations.

It is also risky as a business could possibly be earmarked and made an example of, and it will be off to the dead pool leaving a predictable hush among those left, who will opt to play the hand that they are dealt.

Government is engaged through well defined frameworks and processes that call for dedicated and focused efforts, often by way of a secretariat or other such body. Granted it takes times to achieve an outcome, understandable due the innate nature and structure of government.

We only need to look at Silicon Valley to see that the “big boys” of tech know this and have well oiled lobbying vehicles to make sure that their agenda never leaves the table unless the desired outcome or a comfortable compromise position is delivered. Business and politics are inextricably intertwined.

The body that presents an industry position must be well setup, adequately funded, with deep networks and clout to boot.

The manufacturing sector has been successful in their member representation, and for this reason KITOS was assimilated into the Kenya Association of Manufacturers under a newly created strategic unit. Membership is paid up, determined by the size of your business in turnover.

The ICT unit at KAM is already actively engaging government on various issues such as the Public Procurement and Disposal Bill.

Any serious technology-based business would be well advised to join and be part of the conversation as it happens.

The dividend will be worth it and outcomes win-win for both industry and country.

Mr Njihia is CEO of Symbiotic | Twitter - @mbuguanjihia