Introduction

Estonia has emerged as a global pioneer in digital governance, transforming itself into a cashless, paperless society. This Nordic nation’s rapid digital transformation offers invaluable lessons for countries like Kenya, which is striving to harness technology for development.

A recent talk by Mr Joel Karubui who is the Country Representative/Export Advisor for the Estonia Business and Innovation Agency at the 2024 Digital Frontiers Summit delved into the intricacies of Estonia’s digital journey and its potential implications for Kenya.

Here are a few things to note about Estonia that are quite amazing:

• 99% of services are digitized
• Estonia is the most digitized country in the world
• The population of Estonia is about 1.3 million
• The ICT sector employs 6.6% of the workforce
• Digital literacy is mandatory for all citizens
• There are more than 1500 startups
• A company is seen as a startup for 10 years
• There are 10+ unicorns in Estonia including Skype,Wise and Bolt

Estonia: A Digital Utopia?

Estonia’s digital transformation is anchored on a few key pillars. First, the country has invested heavily in digital infrastructure, ensuring widespread internet connectivity and robust cybersecurity measures.

This foundation has been crucial in supporting the development of digital services.

Secondly, Estonia’s X-Road, a data exchange layer, is a cornerstone of its digital ecosystem. This system securely connects various government and private sector databases, enabling seamless data sharing and interoperability. The X-Road has facilitated the development of numerous digital services, from e-health to e-government.

Let’s look at a use-case.

In Kenya, when you visit a hospital for the first time, they record you details. When you visit a different hospital a day later and it is also your first time, they take in your details as well.

This can become very tedious. In Estonia, thanks to X-road, your details are taken once and when you visit a hospital or any institution, they can access your data because of data sharing and interoperability which improves efficiency.

Third, Estonia has prioritized digital literacy and education. By integrating digital skills into the curriculum, the country has created a digitally savvy population capable of adapting to the evolving technological landscape.

The problem with Kenya is that the curriculum reflects a digital first country but the infrastructure has not been prepared as I will discuss below.

Fourth, the Estonian government has adopted a citizen-centric approach to service delivery. By placing the needs of citizens at the heart of digital initiatives, the government has been able to create user-friendly and efficient online platforms.

Also, the government of Estonia values public private partnerships. In fact, the private sector builds, the government adopts and buys. 

Something Kenya lacks.

Kenya’s Digital Odyssey

To fully realize the potential of digital transformation, Kenya must address several challenges.

• Infrastructure: While Kenya has made progress in expanding internet connectivity, there are still gaps, particularly in rural areas. Reliable and affordable internet access is essential for digital services to thrive. The Kenyan government promised to give each pupil a tablet. However, in some areas, electricity is still an issue. These tablets need to be transported to a nearby town with power so that they are charged and returned to the pupils.
• Digital Literacy: While Kenya has a relatively young population, digital literacy levels vary. Investing in digital education is crucial to create a digitally empowered citizenry.
• Data Privacy and Security: As Kenya collects and analyzes more data, robust data protection measures are imperative. Building trust in the digital ecosystem is essential. The office of the data protection commissioner was formed in Kenya, however, the laws are a copy-paste of the GDPR which does not take into account African issues.
• Governance and Regulations: A conducive regulatory environment is necessary to encourage innovation and investment in the digital sector. Clear and efficient regulations can facilitate the growth of digital businesses. In the past, we have seen policies being made by individuals who are not in the ICT sector, something that does not make sense.
• Corruption: Corruption can hinder digital transformation efforts. Strengthening governance and accountability is crucial to ensure that digital systems are not exploited for personal gain. The greed of Kenyan politicians has hindered innovation as ideas are blocked or bribes requested for government support.

Opportunities for Kenya

Despite the challenges, Kenya possesses immense potential for digital growth.

• Leverage Mobile Technology: Building on its success in mobile payments, Kenya can expand mobile-based services to other sectors, such as healthcare, agriculture, and education.
• Focus on E-Government: Streamlining government services through digital platforms can enhance efficiency, transparency, and accessibility. E-citizen has done well. However, there is a lot we are not doing.
• Develop the Digital Economy: Creating an enabling environment for digital startups and businesses can stimulate economic growth and job creation. We have seen startups close and wind down. E.g Copia, Sendy etc. And recently, I have learned that Mobius is shutting down operions because of liquidity issues.
• Invest in Human Capital: Developing a skilled workforce in areas like data science, cybersecurity, and software development is essential for a thriving digital economy.

Conclusion

Estonia’s digital journey offers valuable lessons for Kenya. By learning from Estonia’s experiences, Kenya can accelerate its digital transformation and unlock new opportunities for economic growth and social development. However, success will depend on addressing the challenges and capitalizing on the opportunities that lie ahead.