Technology has revolutionized the way we communicate, and video conferencing is one of the most important applications of this technology. Video conferencing in Kenya is being used in a variety of settings, from government offices to schools to businesses. This case study will explore how video conferencing is being used in Kenya and the benefits that it has brought to the country. We will also look at some of the challenges that have been faced in implementing this technology.
The Need For Video-Conferencing in Kenya
Kenya is a country located in East Africa. The Republic of Kenya has a population of approximately 48.4 million people and an area of 580,367 square kilometers. The capital of Kenya is Nairobi.
The economy of Kenya is the largest by GDP in East and Central Africa. In 2010, Kenya’s nominal GDP was US$34.07 billion and its per capita GDP was US$1,250. The country is a member of the East African Community (EAC) and the Commonwealth of Nations.
Kenya is served by an extensive transportation network consisting of roads, railways, airports, and seaports. The main international airport in the country is Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), located in Nairobi.
In recent years, Kenya has been investing heavily in information and communication technology (ICT). The Kenyan government has set up several initiatives to promote ICT use among its citizens. For example, the government launched the “e-government” program in 2007 which aimed to provide online services to citizens and businesses through a portal called eCitizen. In addition, the government established the Kenya ICT Board (KICTB) in 2008 as a regulator and policy-making body for ICT development in the country. Furthermore, Kenya has also been working on broadband infrastructure development with the goal of providing high-speed Internet access to all parts of the country by 2020.
With all these developments in ICT,
The Growth of Video-Conferencing in Kenya
In recent years, the use of video-conferencing in Kenya has grown rapidly. This is largely due to the increasing availability of high-speed internet connections and the decreasing cost of video-conferencing equipment.
Video-conferencing can be used for a variety of purposes, including business meetings, distance learning, and medical consultations. In Kenya, one of the most popular uses for video-conferencing is connecting rural schools with resources and experts located in urban areas.
The Kenyan government has been a strong supporter of the growth of video-conferencing in the country. In 2013, the government launched the “eLearning Africa” initiative, which is aimed at increasing access to education through distance learning technologies like video-conferencing. As part of this initiative, the government has provided funding for hundreds of schools to purchase video-conferencing equipment.
The growth of video-conferencing in Kenya is having a positive impact on many aspects of society. It is providing new opportunities for education and healthcare, and helping to connect people across vast geographical distances.
The Benefits of Video-Conferencing in Kenya
There are many benefits to using video-conferencing in Kenya, including:
-Improved communication between businesses and customers: Video-conferencing can help businesses in Kenya to improve communication with their customers, by providing a face-to-face interaction that is convenient for both parties. This can lead to improved customer satisfaction and loyalty.
-Reduced travel costs: Video-conferencing can save businesses in Kenya significant amounts of money on travel costs, as there is no need to send employees to meet with clients or customers in person. This can free up budget for other areas of the business.
-Greater flexibility and productivity: By using video-conferencing, businesses in Kenya can have meetings at any time and from any location. This can lead to increased productivity as employees are not required to travel to meet in person.
Overall, video-conferencing provides many benefits for businesses operating in Kenya. By improving communication and reducing travel costs, businesses can increase their profitability and competitiveness.
The Challenges of Video-Conferencing in Kenya
The Challenges of Video-Conferencing in Kenya
Although video-conferencing is becoming increasingly popular in developed countries, there are still many challenges to using this technology in developing countries like Kenya. These challenges include:
1. Limited infrastructure: In many parts of Kenya, there is limited access to high-speed Internet and reliable power sources, making it difficult to use video-conferencing technologies.
2. Lack of awareness: There is often a lack of awareness about the potential benefits of video-conferencing among businesspeople and the general public in Kenya.
3. High costs: The cost of setting up and maintaining a video-conferencing system can be prohibitive for many businesses in Kenya.
4. Language barriers: English is not the first language for many people in Kenya, which can make it difficult to use video-conferencing technologies that are designed for English speakers.
The Future of Video-Conferencing in Kenya
It is safe to say that video-conferencing in Kenya is here to stay. Thanks to the ever-growing popularity of online communication tools such as Skype and Zoom, more and more businesses are seeing the value in connecting with their employees and clients via video-conference.
There are a number of factors that are driving the adoption of video-conferencing in Kenya. First, the cost of setting up and maintaining a quality video-conference system has come down significantly in recent years. Second, broadband internet connectivity has become much more widely available, making it easier for businesses to set up reliable video-conference calls.
Finally, the Kenyan government has been supportive of the use of video-conferencing as a way to promote economic development. In 2016, the government launched the “Kenya Connect” initiative, which includes a goal of establishing 1,000 public Wi-Fi hotspots across the country by 2019. This will make it even easier for businesses to take advantage of video-conferencing technology.
Looking ahead, it is clear that video-conferencing in Kenya is poised for continued growth. Businesses of all sizes are recognizing the value of using this powerful communication tool to connect with employees and clients, and as broadband internet becomes more widely available, we can expect to see even more widespread adoption of video-conferencing technology.
Conclusion
The idea of video conferencing in Kenya is still relatively new, but it has already proved to be a valuable tool for businesses. The case-study above shows how video conferencing can be used to connect people in different parts of the country and help communication flow more smoothly. If you are thinking of setting up a video conferencing system in Kenya, we hope that this case-study has given you some useful insights.
