According to Dr Kirubi, technology can for instance be used to decrease the flood of cheap imported goods into the country through the use of machinery/MOSES MUOKI
NAIROBI, Kenya, Jul 28 – “Any sufficiently advanced technology is undistinguished from magic,” British science writer once said.
True to his words, technology is quickly changing how things are done, including how economies and businesses are run.
Clarke’s sentiments were somewhat echoed by business leaders who include Capital Group’s Chairman and business magnate Dr Chris Kirubi who urged Kenyans to adopt technology into more of the economical activities for bigger and better returns.
According to Dr Kirubi, technology can for instance be used to decrease the flood of cheap imported goods into the country through the use of machinery.
“Look at what technology can do for your business. Consider the problems it can solve and then use it to advance your business,” Dr Kirubi said.
He was speaking during the seventh African International Business and Management Conference (AIBUMA) taking place in University of Nairobi, School of Business in Lower Kabete, which witnessed hundreds of attendants including business people, delegates and students among others.
The businessman also called out to the youth to use technology for economic use; “technology is now much more accessible. This makes doing research and accessing information on starting a business actually very easy.”
Sidian Bank’s CEO Titus Karanja, speaking at the same conference, also challenged youths and upcoming business people to figure out exactly how they would use technology to serve the masses.
According to Karanja, some of the world’s most disruptive companies had used technology to reach more people than they originally thought they would have.
“The world’s largest taxi company, Uber, does not own a single taxi. Neither does the world’s largest accommodation company, AirBnB own property. Hence, today’s business world is all about how well you choose to use technology.”
Speaking at the same event, Bidco CEO and entrepreneur Vimal Shah at the same time called onto the youth to do more than think of brilliant ideas but to take the step of executing them.
According to Shah, upon graduating, university students are fully equipped with skills that can make them start their own ventures instead of struggling with getting jobs.
He also said that Kenya is in a great position of dominating the region as it has limitless access of opportunities.
“For sectors such as manufacturing, technology is especially important at this point in time. Technology enhances competitiveness for businesses, especially those in manufacturing,” he said.
The two day annual conference saw business leaders, delegates and students on its first day come together under the theme, Leveraging on technology in expanding the frontiers of business.
Dr Kirubi also spoke about the increasing cases of unrest in schools across the country.
According to Dr Kirubi, the country’s leadership should think of how to best help the young people. He also urged students involved in the unrest to reconsider their actions.
“We should not destroy the institutions that are busy making us. If you destroy your institution, it means you don’t know what you want.”
