@ Rickdees, that is spot on, unfortunately no technocrats in government see this. They are too busy speculating on land in the new areas or registering companies that they sell on. We can't offer the same old service that nobody wants. That reminds me of the the EPZ con. Our biggest problem is burying our heads in the sand with inability to recognise our weaknesses. The following reasons explain why we can't hack it in BPO.
1. Setting up a 'technocity' rather than lay infrastructure. The Malili project is overly priced, fraught with corruption, way behind schedule and relying on europes and Americas needs of the 2000's. Cost of business will be to high, high labour costs, high broadband and power prices.
2. Poor computer penetrance, teachers with little computer training, lack of teachers or middle level colleges.
3. Salaries in Kenya are too high compared to India, Egypt and philipines. They ca do it better and cheaper than us.
4. Theft by employee, corruption lack of governance. Cavalier attitude of Kenyan employees with our usual annoying bravado.fraud!!
5. IT training and school curricular is not fit for purpose. The strategy of our training is wrong.
6. Like tourism, this may not translate to economic development as the owners of the companies will be European or american. Tourism industry has turned Mombasa into a slum city with no rise in the middleclass. Arise Malili next on line...
Finally the government should provide infrastructure and leave business to the private sector. Corruption and lack of ideas with self interests are a hallmark of our country. Infrastructure/ development is not buildings.