Bitange Ndemo
Bitange Ndemo is a renowned Kenyan academic, entrepreneur, and former Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information and Communication in Kenya. He is widely recognized for his transformative role in advancing Kenya's ICT sector and positioning the country as a leader in technology and innovation in Africa.
Ndemo’s most significant achievement was his pivotal role in the development and implementation of Kenya’s Vision 2030, a strategic plan aimed at transforming Kenya into a newly industrializing, middle-income country. He spearheaded the deployment of the undersea fiber optic cable in 2009, which drastically reduced internet costs and increased connectivity speeds, catalyzing the growth of the digital economy in Kenya. This project not only improved internet accessibility but also positioned Kenya as a leading ICT hub in Africa, attracting numerous tech companies, including Google, IBM, and Microsoft, to establish regional offices in Nairobi.
Ndemo also played a crucial role in fostering Kenya’s mobile money revolution, particularly supporting the growth of M-Pesa, one of the world’s most successful mobile money platforms. His advocacy for policies that encouraged innovation and digital inclusion helped millions of unbanked individuals gain access to financial services, fundamentally transforming the Kenyan economy and influencing similar initiatives across the continent.
A strong advocate for open data, Ndemo led the Kenya Open Data Initiative, making government data publicly accessible and promoting transparency, accountability, and citizen engagement. His efforts in this space set a precedent for other African nations, demonstrating how open data can be leveraged for social and economic development.
Beyond his government service, Ndemo has continued to influence the tech ecosystem as a thought leader, academic, and mentor. He serves as an Associate Professor at the University of Nairobi’s Business School, where he educates and inspires future business and technology leaders. Ndemo is also an advisor to numerous startups, fostering the growth of a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem in Kenya.
In one of his quotes, Ndemo underscored his vision of using technology as an enabler for economic empowerment and social inclusion, not just a tool for the privileged. Ndemo’s legacy is a testament to his unwavering commitment to digital transformation, which has had a profound impact on Kenya’s socioeconomic landscape.
Famous Quote
We have to demystify technology and make it work for the people, not just a select few.
— Bitange Ndemo
