The effort to transform Mulot trading centre from an East African cyber crime hub to Kenya’s ICT hub has won Presidential support. President William Ruto has authorised the Ministry of Information and Communications (ICT) to proceed with the construction of the multibillion-dollar software development factory, which is advertised as Africa’s only one.
From Konza City, the focus in Kenya and the area will now shift to Mulot, demonstrating the government’s favourable policy shift to focus on counties.
President Ruto urged Bomet Governor Hillary Barchok on Sunday to ensure that the county government acquires 100 acres of land in the Bomet East constituency for the establishment of the facility near Mulot Sunset Trading Centre.
“In the shortest time possible, I want you to secure land and report back within two months on the progress made so we can move with speed and set up the ICT centre and turn the area to a software development hub in the region” Ruto stated. He noted that the move would change the region’s economy and generate job opportunities.
It was in response to a call by Senate Majority Aaron Cheruiyot, who said the government should develop the town into an ICT hub and help it shed its negative reputation as the region’s centre for mobile banking transfer fraud.
“This region has youths who are IT savy but for lack of jobs, they have turned into cyber crime. There is a need to tap their talents and make it into good use” Mr Cheruiyot explained.
“We are urging the government to channel at least Sh 1 billion to construct the ICT facility in Mulot so as to turn around the economy and create employment opportunities” Mr Cheruiyot added.
Professor Barchok stated that the county has provided 4.5 acres of land and that another 15 acres are ready for usage, and that the government will engage the local population to yield their property for the project’s construction.