Imagine with me a digital Kenya, a Kenya who is connected to the world and whose youth are sought for their knowledge and skills. A Kenya where there is law and order, timed stoplights, and transparent government accounting. I can imagine a different Kenya, a country we would be be proud to live in. If we can imagine it, we can achieve it, but it would require no less than a redesign of the country as we know it.

The education system can begin digitizing the children by introducing computers at the age of 5 in all schools. Children will grow up with computer and Internet skills and will be able to enter their secondary schooling knowing how to type reports, create presentations, and participate in computer assisted classes. By the end of secondary school, students will have the skills necessary to start their own businesses, become gainfully employed, or attend universities. Within a generation, Kenyan graduates could complete with youth internationally for resources.

In the digital future, Kenyan youth will take part in the knowledge economy. From rural centers for research and development to contemporary web design and software programming, the youth will have unlimited opportunities for self expression, creativity, and growth. The imaginations of the youth would run wild with the availability of new technologies such as the diffusion of media tools. Instead of 95% of the media being generated from outside Kenyan border, media tools can provide outlets for income generation and self expression.

Well educated computer literate Kenyans will develop tools for solving the development problems of the nation. From Famine Warning Systems to digital medical records management, Kenyans are creating the infrastructure for a brighter tomorrow. In the US, each individual replies on more than 1,000 computers per day. Some are seen, others are unseen. In Kenya, our lives will be significantly altered by digitization. The growth of the mobile phone and telecommunications sector are a shining example of how quickly technology can diffuse when there is great pent up demand.

Imagine an end to rural to urban migration. Digitization brings rural employment that is not based on physical labor, but on intellect and skill. Rather than moving to Nairobi or Mombasa to seek opportunities, employment would be equally available countrywide. The son of a farmer can work a white collar job from his village home using solar power, a computer, and a modem. This work model is becoming increasing popular in the United States and Europe referred to as telecommuting. Kenyans could work and make money without leaving their villages and thus stay connected with their families.

Within a generation, we could see a more economically balanced Kenya. With better education and more opportunities, Kenyans from every tribe and community could have the ability to bring themselves out of poverty and into prosperity. In the reformation of the global economic system, this is a time, when Kenya could make sustainable infrastructure choices to empower their own people. In every villages, there are budding entrepreneurs who desire a higher standard of living. If their potential was nurtured, we could see the growth of small and medium enterprises all over the country.

To most in the developed world, Kenya is a land of tribal animosity and animals. A digital Kenya, would put every path, every duka, every development center, and every business on the map. A new reality of Kenya would emerge. The small villages would have access to the outside world and the outside world could peer in. Experience, knowledge, and information exchange would take place that would lead to a change in lives and perceptions of individuals internationally. The world becomes a smaller place and it is easier to recognize the humanity in others.

The reality of Kenya today is dark, but the future can be full of light. Order can be made of chaos, records can be kept, accountability and transparency can be the order of business. Imagine a voting process that is free and fair for everyone. That is done digitally and is closely monitored for integrity. Where people can vote from a location near their homes and everyone has the ability to participate without traveling.

Consider a legal system where the accused are arrested and entered into a computer with their charges and evidence, given a court date, and plead their case presumed innocent until found guilty. All records are made public even those of public officials and the private sector. The legal system can be automated to become more impartial while remaining sensitive to individuals. This increased impartiality would make the courts less prone to corruption.

Legislation regarding the digitization of Kenya is in the pipeline. Soon Kenya will have a Freedom of Information Act which will allow citizens to ask the government for public information including budgets, expenditures, upcoming legislation, and legal proceedings. Government offices will have to be accountable to the citizens and their dealings transparent. Following the Freedom of Information act will be a Data Security Act to protect the data of Kenyan citizens.

These are just a few examples of the potential of the digital future of Kenya. There are so many opportunities yet to be discovered and possibilities yet to be explored. As we consider the future, lets dream big and plan for a new beginning for an ancient country. I can imagine a digital Kenya. Can you help us to build it?