2014 e learning innovations conference dr fred matiangi speech final

2014 eLearning Innovations Conference Speech DRAFT July 29th 2014 1

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.


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.


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


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.


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!