Software Technologies Limited as featured in the Kenya Times

Technology Firms Seek Government Contracts
The Government has been urged to give local information technology companies key software projects rather than contract foreign companies for the jobs, a top IT specialist has said.

Mrs. Jyoti Mukherjee, the managing Director of Software Technologies says local companies have proved their competence in installing key software programs in Kenya and appealed to the Government to support local IT companies fully.

Mrs. Mukherjee said the standards of information technology in Kenya can match the very best in the world and said local companies need the support of every Kenyan to service in the increasingly competitive market.

"The fact that Kenyan companies have been able to export IT programs to other countries is an indication of the quality of work Kenyan professionals can produce" Mrs. Mukherjee said.

At the same time, the Kenya Information Society (KIS) wants the to spearhead the development of the industry, which is a key ingredient in jump starting the economy.

The MD said a well developed IT will translate information into knowledge, a key ingredient in development of society.

"As a responsible corporate citizen, our modest contribution to Kenyans is the training of the needy on key information technology packages", the MD said.

The company has introduced a class for the deaf, where top IT specialists are involved in dissemination of knowledge to those with hearing impairments.

Last month, Gigiri Police division benefited from the generosity of the company, when police officers from the division received free IT training in order to enhance their skills.

The Managing Director said it was the responsibility of all Kenyans to actively participate in the economic development of the country, in view of the depressed global economy.

"Rather than sit and lament Kenyans should explore ways of increasing the economic activity in the country" Mrs. Mukherjee said.

The future of the IT industry is however bright and stakeholders should team up to explore ways of exploiting the industry fully.

She however admitted that the level of penetration was still low compared to other countries, but said with Government support, the lucrative industry can be enhanced.