Kenya’s ICT sector was worth an estimated $5.48 billion in 2017, constituting 31.7% growth from 2016. The telecommunications segment makes up the vast majority of this at around $3.2 billion. Other important contributors are broadcasting, data center services, cloud, IT, and BPO.

Kenya’s combination of relatively stable governance, strategic location, and young and innovative population has made it an attractive destination for multinational companies. Several notable firms such as Oracle, IBM, Microsoft, Cisco, HP, and SAP have offices in Nairobi, and some have based their entire African operations from these offices.

Why you should work with Kenyan IT companies

Digital service providers in the cloud and BPO markets are largely involved in the provision, rather than the development, of services, whilst Kenyan firms are more prevalent in the fintech and eCommerce markets. The physical technology required for the delivery of digital services is typically imported, and it is not clear that Kenya could produce these products more efficiently. 

A key strength in the digital services market is the acceptance of mobile services. Any consumer solution entering the market would have to be mobile-compatible. Mobile healthcare services are expected to grow particularly rapidly as the sophistication of these offerings increases.

What to pay attention to when working with Kenyan IT companies and web agencies

On the consumer side, it is vital that any proposed digital service offering be mobile-compatible due to the prevalence of mobile usage in Kenya. Furthermore, smartphone penetration in the region is steadily increasing, thus increasing the sophistication of viable digital service offerings. 

Given the acceptance of fintech by the Kenyan population, a possible route to entry in the consumer market is to acquire one of the many smaller fintech firms in the industry. This would resolve some of the primary barriers to entry, most specifically bureaucratic red tape and a lack of local knowledge. 

On the corporate side, the most effective route to entry is likely through partnerships with smaller local resellers. This model is already popular in the Kenyan market. A key differentiating feature here will be how well the service adapted to the Kenyan market.

How reliable are Kenyan-based IT companies?

Considered to be one of the biggest African IT hubs, Kenyan web agencies and IT companies compete only with Ethiopian ones in terms of reliability. As many foreign companies have already invested and thus developed the local IT infrastructure and industry overall, Kenyan IT companies find it easier than other neighboring countries to enter the global market and provide their services for accessible prices. 

How Kenyan IT industry relate to the neighboring countries?

Kenya is actively trying to establish itself as a key ICT hub in the East African region. The country appears to be making good progress in this regard, helped by having a strong connectivity infrastructure and a young, innovative population. Despite this, the country currently faces considerable political uncertainty, and issues surrounding the transparency of tenders remain a major barrier to growth.

Although Kenya’s score for the metric measuring the economic impact of ICT is not high in absolute terms, it ranks 54th in the world. This supports the conjecture that businesses, government, and consumers will be receptive to new technologies as ICT has already had a substantial impact on the Kenyan economy

Digital strategy is a comprehensive plan that guides businesses in leveraging digital technologies and platforms to achieve their goals. It involves determining how to effectively use online channels to reach target audiences, enhance brand visibility, and drive growth. 

Services related to digital strategy encompass a wide range of activities, including content marketing, social media marketing, email marketing, and online advertising, aimed at achieving business goals through effective online presence and engagement.

In the digital age, businesses need a variety of strategies and tactics to succeed, which is collectively known as digital strategy. It includes defining the target audience, selecting the right digital platforms, creating engaging content, and measuring performance to ensure objectives are met. Services related to Digital Strategy range from content marketing and social media strategy to email marketing and online advertising.

Companies providing Digital Strategy services use a variety of tools and technologies. These may include analytics platforms like Google Analytics to measure website performance, social media management tools like Hootsuite for scheduling and monitoring posts, and marketing automation software like HubSpot for managing email campaigns and lead nurturing.

If a company is looking for help with their digital strategy, they can choose to partner with specialized IT companies or digital agencies. Specialized IT companies provide extensive knowledge and experience in creating successful digital plans while digital agencies, on the other hand, may provide a broader suite of digital services, making them suitable for businesses seeking comprehensive digital solutions.

When businesses make use of Digital Strategy services, they can gain many advantages in the digital world. A carefully planned strategy helps businesses to target the right audience effectively, resulting in higher engagement and more conversions. It also provides a clear roadmap for online activities, allowing businesses to allocate resources more efficiently. Additionally, a solid digital strategy keeps businesses adaptable, enabling them to respond effectively to changing market trends.

Selecting the right digital strategy service provider is crucial for achieving optimal results. Look for providers with proven expertise in designing effective digital strategies tailored to your industry and audience. Communication and a collaborative approach are key, so choose a provider that understands your goals and can effectively execute your vision.