The business process outsourcing sector has lagged behind its targets 5 years down employing just 10,000 people despite having set projections of 20,000 people in the sector by 2014. According to ministry of information permanent secretary Dr. Bitange Ndemo this has been as a result of lack of affordable rental facilities, lack of buildings that meet international BPO standards as well as the delay in the drop of broadband prices.
The government had hoped that with the advent of the submarine cables in Kenya business process outsourcing would sprout employing at least 20,000 people by 2014 and contribute at least 45 billion shillings to the economy. 5 years down the line though these expectations have grown short with the industry facing serious hurdles in infrastructure development especially in buildings that meet international BPO standards and at an affordable rate.
Bandwidth prices have also remained high despite better ICT infrastructure on the ground and less reliance on satellite. This comes even as the government seeks to increase professionals in software development by launching the world’s first globally accepted software certification exam in conjunction with Carnegie Mellon University.
The exam is aimed at marketing local developers and giving access to employment globally with statistics showing demand for software developers will grow by 135% between 2011 and 2013. The ICT board says it hopes to certify between 500 and 1000 developers annually with the 1st exam expected to be in place by April 2013.
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