Dr. Fred Matiang'i, the Cabinet Secretary of Kenya's Ministry of Information, Communication and Technology, delivered the opening speech at the 2014 eLearning Innovations Conference. He emphasized that ICTs are integral to Kenya's development goals and that the conference objectives align well with those of his ministry. The conference brings together innovators in eLearning and mobile learning to exchange ideas and discuss how ICTs can promote learning across various sectors. Dr. Matiang'i challenged attendees to find innovative ways to use ICTs to address challenges and enhance lives, and committed his ministry to supporting eLearning initiatives through infrastructure development, partnerships, and talent development.

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The International Conference for ICT Innovators, Leaders, & Educators!
Dr. Fred Matiang’i’s Opening Speech
Thank You Prof. Kobia for your introduction. I wish to start by appreciating your key role as a lead
organizer in this year’s event together with TALENTS Coaching & Consulting.
Ladies and gentlemen…
Good morning!
Our Vision and Mandate
Today, I am here for the second opening ceremony of this annual eLearning Innovations Conference
because the objectives of the conference align well with those of the Ministry of ICT. The object of
this conference in many aspects speaks to our vision for the use of ICTs in the education and
training sectors and as a tool for performance improvement across all sectors.
Our President, Hon. Uhuru Kenyatta has clearly indicated that “ICT is no longer a luxury, but a
powerful tool that will help address most of the problems facing Kenya and Africa.” The mandate is
clear that ICTs are integral to our mission as a government.
As you may know, the ICT Ministry that I lead understands that ICTs have the power to propel us to
the next phase of our country’s development. Incorporating ICTs across all facets of our work – in
government, academia, corporate, private and NGO sectors - is a mandate that we have been
charged with. This is a key commitment of the Jubilee Government.

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Today I am pleased to address an audience that is passionate about the use of ICTs for learning and
development. First, as an educator and secondly as an ICT leader, this is an exciting opportunity to
address a group that clearly supports learning in all its forms – from school classrooms to corporate
board rooms; from NGOs to campuses represented here today. You are here today to represent a
growing population of innovators in the eLearning and Mobile Learning arena – fuelled by the
competitive and dynamic nature of our society today.
When I opened this conference last year, I challenged everyone to think of one way they can
innovate and use ICTs to promote learning and performance. I am delighted to see a full room again
this year, with local, regional, and international delegates. What a great opportunity to exchange
ideas and hear what practitioners and scholars across every sector have embarked on! It’s clearly
evident that eLearning is no longer an add-on, but a staple in schools and organizations. My
Ministry will play a key role going forward in working hand-in-hand with the organizers to ensure
that this initiative continues and succeeds.
Innovations that Make a Difference!
I’m here today to not only open this conference but to make a key announcement about the value of
innovation within ICTs as a pathway for our nation’s development and people’s empowerment. We
are clearly living in a very competitive age, where talent is an asset.
Innovation lies within people – not machines. Technology is a catalyst that enhances our processes
and brings efficiencies to what we do. That is why this conference is an important contribution to
our work at the ICT Ministry – to develop the competencies that are essential in the 21st century
workforce. On behalf of our Ministry I would like to reiterate my commitment to finding innovative
approaches for developing our talent. I’m certain that that is a core mission for my colleague here
Prof. Kobia and her team at the PSC as they oversee the national HR development strategy. We are
here today to mark an important part of the journey that we are very committed to.
The rise of our nation will be fuelled by people, people like you who are thinking creatively about
how we can develop innovative ways to address the challenges we face every day and to enhance
our lives.

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ICTs Changing the Classroom and Workforce
Gentlemen…
The Conference Theme is 21st Century Learning. As presenters and delegates engage at this event, I
look forward to hearing reports of how all sectors are responding to ICT integration in classrooms
and workplaces.
Booming enrolment in online higher education and the rapid adoption of Web-based instruction are
key indicators of what 21st Century learning will look like. In addition, this conference is testament
to the position that Africa is becoming the most dynamic e-learning market in the world – with Kenya
as a front-runner. The use of ICTs for education - eLearning (Web- based) and mobile learning
(mLearning) is gaining increasing attention with the Kenyan government’s laptops for schools
program.
My Ministry is charged with policy implementation and therefore I have a vested interest in
determining how our policies are enabling use of ICTs with a goal to improving our own work. The
ICT Authority’s Acting, CEO, is here with me today (Victor Kyalo, please stand up). I believe he and
his staff will be a resource for you and my eyes-and-ears in the next few days.
The Power of Private-Public Partnerships
I also welcome collaboration among delegates, the conference organizers, and the ICT Authority
and Government to foster ICT capacity building in Kenya. I recognize that we are here today
because of the vibrant nature of collaboration as demonstrated in this conference through the
partnerships of TALENTS, the PSC, and various institutions across all sectors that are represented
in this event.
As you know, my colleague Prof. Jacob Kaimenyi, Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Education will be
here tomorrow. It is through this kind of multi-sector partnerships, integration and alignment of
our work that Kenya’s leadership as the Silicon Savannah - will thrive to become a learning oasis
and an innovative workplace.
Today, I would like to recognize the government partners who are scheduled to speak during the
next 3 days and who recognize that to do the job that the public has charged us with, we have to

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work together and pull in the same direction. You as a speaker, delegate, exhibitor or volunteer
here today, play a key role in moving the learning agenda forward.
On our part…the Jubilee Government is committed to providing a sound, reliable
and secure ICT infrastructure upon which ICT services such as eLearning will run.
We are also committed to collaboration with academic institutions and the Ministry
of Education, Science and Technology to ensure we effectively support elearning. It
is in this respect that, in the past, my ministry as funded the Kenya Education
Network (KENET) that is focused on connecting our institutions of higher learning.
My ministry is also closely working with the Ministry of Energy with respect to
purposes of providing electricity to schools and education facilities across the
country. Energy is essential for effective eLearning service delivery.
 The following are some of my ministry’s key initiatives that are underway with involvement of
my ministry:Fibre Optic Cable
 Konza Techno-City
 National Address System
 Digital Migration
 Provision of bandwidth to institutions of higher learning through KENET
Launch of the TALENTS’ eLearning Certification (TEC)
Ladies and Gentlemen.
As I close, I wish to commend TALENTS for their innovative work in enabling the professional
growth and development of professionals in the eLearning field via this conference and their launch
of the TALENTS’ eLearning Certification (TEC) – a professional development program that will
prepare and expand our competencies to work effectively in the eLearning field.

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I recognize and I am convinced that people are the number one asset in every single community,
organization, and society. As we push the ICT agenda forward, we as a Ministry continue to be
committed to talent development. Let us all remember that ICTs are simply tools – they should not
be promoted for the sake of it. ICTs are catalysts for change and development, enabling us to
improve our learning and performance.
We are here to build relationships, establish collaborative ventures, and identify strategies for
improving work efficiencies across all facets of life. I urge each one of us to make the most of this
opportunity before us. I believe the next 3 days will be vibrant, informative and make a positive
contribution to the development of elearning in Kenya.
As a Ministry, we will continue to engage in identifying opportunities and collaborating with
stakeholders in key Learning & Performance Improvement initiatives towards the realization of
Kenya’s Vision 2030.
Here are a few challenges for your consideration and action as we head to the future.
1. Considering that government will provide infrastructure, I challenge the eLearning
community (in particular) and all educators (in general) to help create relevant, culture-
relevant content at all levels that desire eLearning.
2. Work towards curriculum integration taking advantage of ICTs for effective education for
our citizens.
3. Identify and present innovative approaches to eLearning, especially for disadvantaged
regions in the country. This will assure that no Kenyan is left behind in access to education.
I would love that when we meet next year, we can compare notes on these items, especially with
respect to progress achieved through your participation. We promise to play our role as required.
Thanks everyone and happy networking and learning!