 Welcome, this is the first interview of the day and today we want to talk about something that's affecting us as Africans. So what exactly is the, how is exactly the ICT, you know, development. So we want to talk about the Africa ICT Development Indicators. And for this we have been joined by I guess who's not a first time visitor, he's been here before, he goes by the name engineer John Orpio, he's a computer forensics expert. Welcome, Injulia. Thank you, thank you. Happy New Year. Oh, Happy New Year. And Happy New Year to all of you once, wherever they are. Yes, yes. So we're so happy New Year that we're back on March. Hey, yeah. Happy New Year. Still March. We're still in New Year. Yeah, New Year. So now we want to talk about, you know, Africa ICT Development Indicators. Why do we need to talk about this topic in the first case? Why we need to talk about this topic? We know for sure, technology is the core of everything that we do. And looking at the fourth industrial revolution, that is where we are today and for the future. And if you look back from the industrial revolution, from the 1700s to 1900s where we had coal, from there we went to steam engines, then electric engines were invented, then semi-automated machines. And now we are looking at, now automating everything. And we are looking at biological, mechanical, physical, you know, we are bringing them together in one aspect. So as Africa, we need not to be left behind this. We need to be the champions because we have all what it takes to ensure that we realize the fourth industrial revolution, which is coming with a lot of opportunities, you know, for the young people. So when we are looking at the indicators of the ICT or tech in Africa. Before we get to the indicators, you have talked about, you know, the fourth industrial revolution coming with a lot of automations. And you've mentioned, even biological, so someone might be wondering, how do you mean biological when you talk about it? So biological, you know, we'll be talking about neuro-technology. Yes, genetic engineering or editing. You know, when now we go to the medical field. So does that, let me break it down further. Does that look like or try to picture it? Is that, you know, the modification of children also, you know. It's a bit scary when you think about it. Yes. You know, where wombs won't be in use at some point, you know, women, you know, they can just be incubated for that period of time. For sure. You know, you look at this history, maybe from whatever we've learned, that there are some people they cannot be able to carry the pregnancy or they don't have that womb. So with the technology, it has created that space, which we can be able to do what? To get all these together, put them somewhere and from a baby. Okay. Yes. Again, when we look at the neuro-technology, the neurons, when we talk about the brain, the surgery, you know. All these, you know. So we bring the technology aspect of it so that we can be able to improve on the medical technology. And so as to get to be precise on whatever kind of innovation or the medical innovation research, you know. So that we can be very, very more specific. And this can only be done through that technology. Okay. Yeah. Wow. It's quite something. And you know, with the revolution coming and happening, some people are scared by it, some people are happy about it. I don't know where you stand with it. What do you think? Is it a good thing? Will it get out of hand? Because when we're talking about automation, also talking about artificial intelligence, right? Yes. You know, with artificial intelligence also comes, you know, replacements of jobs to some extent because some will be, you know, faced out. So is it a good thing or is it not such a good thing? It is a good thing. You know, with technology, it is a good thing. Normally technology brings good things. You know, when you look at environment, you look at the business blockchain, you know, you look at education. You know, when you bring the aspect of technology, it will be of great milestone for us as a country or for us as a continent. Because with the evolution of technology, we'll be able to create more opportunities. And when we are creating more opportunities, we are looking at re-skilling. You know, we look at the dynamics of the industries, the jobs which are there. Then we see, because now, what again we need to talk about. When we're looking at the technology, because it is the driving factor at the moment and for the future, we have re-skilling of people or to create that job market and again having industries. So what we need to understand, how do we re-skill and how do we ensure that the skills that we are gaining out of this is useful to the industries. So now the industries, we must have something like a linkage between the academic institutions or the training institutions and actually what is happening in the job market. So that we don't be rendered jobless. Yes, because if we understand what the industry wants, then we create for the industry the raw material they want. So what kind of skills are needed for this particular revolution to be in line and adaptable to it? Yes, because here we are looking at the labor market, creating a labor market. And since we know technology is about the automation, we are looking at having artificial intelligence, we are looking at blockchain, we are looking at neuro-technology and so many other aspects. It is how, on which industry are you in and mapping that industry in the next, in the future, what will it look like and what will be obsolete by then, which you need to have as at now. And here we are looking at getting the technology called best skills. Maybe if you are studying agriculture, maybe you are doing agriculture engineering, so that is food security. So how do you bring the aspect of technology in agriculture to create that sustainable development in that field so that you can have that food security. So how are you going to generate or how are you going to come up with crops which will overcome the challenges, the diverse effect, because we have seen from the effects of the climate. There are some regions, they don't do best in agriculture, but if the trend continues, how do we now rethink and reshape all this into technology so that we can be able to beat the future. So it is actually a skill in looking into what you are doing now and for seeing what is coming in the future and seeing in line with it. So I am wondering in the media how I am supposed to position myself, but I know we will figure it out. Yeah, so now how prepared are we for all this technology that is coming, whether evolution, talk about the communication, interaction. We have had of the metaverse that is supposed to come that is being worked on by Meta, Max Zuckerberg and team. So this will be a platform where people can, you know, you virtually are anywhere in the world, you don't need to meet up with people, you don't need to do. So how prepared are we as Africans, you know, there is a lot of things happening at the same time, very fast in the Western world, but how prepared are we as Africans for this technology. You know, when we are looking at the technology aspect in Africa, the indicators. First, we need to talk about technology access. Secondly, we need to talk about technology use. Then thirdly, we need to talk about technology making it the availability, the infrastructure. So when we talk about technology access, here we look at how do we make it very accessible, how do we develop the infrastructure which is required as the engine to drive the technology to create that access. So when we are talking about the technology access or infrastructure is creating a platform on how we will be able to share information or transmit or access across the globe or within the continent. And for example, if you look at the mobile use, for example in Africa, it has done a tremendous job when it comes to technology access because we are looking at about 1.7 million people who can access mobile services and they can be able to use mobile technology. That's the first thing. So now, how do we make this technology to be accessed even to the remote areas? And when we are looking at access of technology in remote areas, the infrastructure, do we have maybe the fiber optics, do we have name all of it? Secondly, do we have electricity because it is another aspect and in areas like in remote villages or remote towns where there is no, they don't have access to electricity. How do we power them and put them on the grid? And that will bring the aspect of the solar technology so that they can remain on the grid. So that would bring once the infrastructure is put in place, it will generate or it will accelerate the access of technology by many Africans. So in that regard, we need to ensure that the proper infrastructure is laid down and this is one of the indicators in which the private sector and the government, you know, they need to come together and see the best way they can be able to fast track on the connecting, you know, the regions so that they can become one. Because we cannot talk about technology without connectivity. Yes. Okay. So we need to have the connectivity. We have to have it in place. The infrastructure needs to be, you know, good for us to adapt into it the correct way. What about digital literacy? Once you talk about connectivity, you come with technology access and preparedness, you see. So once the infrastructure is in place, so there will be that urge, already you will be ready to access the technology services. Now we'll talk about the access. So the access here we need now to create room for training and reskilling so that people can be able to understand what is this digital platform? How does it work? Because now we are talking about digital transformation whereby digital transformation we are moving from the analog to the digital platform. We have seen the tremendous efforts that has been done within our country, Kenya, especially on the digital infrastructure. And the government is really championing about digital transformation whereby recently we had the interview, the CS for ICT talking about the measures which they put in place to ensure that we go fully digital and trying to pull all this government services into a digital platform. So that must come with the digital literacy. People must be trained. We must be reskilled so that we can understand how do we use access information from this digital platform. And because already we are working on that infrastructure, even to the local or remote areas. Once the infrastructure is in place, now you create that platform on how you can be able to train these people to understand what digital is all about and how they can be able to go about it. At the moment, where would you say the level of digital literacy in Africa is? You have seen efforts as you have mentioned by the government of Kenya, but where do you see it at? The Africa entirely, we are not that bad, but still much need to be done because we are not yet there. And looking at the fourth industrial revolution, which is in place, we need to ensure that we put everything in order so that we can be able to do what we can be able to cope up with the current trends. So what makes us to, we still lag behind because when you look at technological advancement and map them within our continent, the spheres of our continent, we still lag behind. And this needs a total re-engineering, re-scaling of the people. And again, the way I had talked about the government giving the platform for young innovators, young people to come up with innovation skills, which can be able to promote or accelerate this particular process. So we still lag behind as Africa and we still need to do a lot when it comes to take infrastructure, developing the take infrastructure and digital literacy. So a lot still needs to be done. So we have brought that intention, you know, and love for technology and technology access, you know, yes. Alright, so we are moving well, including the growth of startups, the hubs that, you know, different governments are creating. We have seen Rwanda also coming up really well, so we are doing, we are trying at least. So on the same, when looking at the infrastructure, the way you have stated, we need to look at the creation of the digital hubs, where we can be able to nurture and do the incubation of the technology or the innovative skills that are being propelled or championed by these young individuals. So once we have that in place, now we'll find ourselves moving into the right trajectory as far as the four IRs concern. Okay. So what are the main key areas of the fourth industrial revolution? So the key main areas, one, we have blockchain technology. You see now we want to create a platform whereby we do transactions and it doesn't require you to be there in person. You know, we create a platform whereby we can be able to do our business transaction, we keep the records digitally, anybody can be able to follow around the globe. Secondly, we look at agriculture, smart agriculture, because that is another area which is being accelerated by the fourth industrial revolution. And how do we ensure that we have implemented sensors or artificial intelligence systems which can be able to collect the environmental data, we can analyze the data and plan for the future. And we can be able to see when it comes to food security how well should we prepare ourselves for the future and what needs to be done. And that can only be achieved through collecting data, analyzing and getting the facts right. That is the second area. The third area is it comes to digitization or the automation of the systems. Looking at how government they conduct their businesses, putting things online so that people can be able to access the information in digital platforms. When it comes to education whereby it is not a must that you go to the class but you can be able to attend this particular class through online and have online classes. We look about in the field of healthcare, how do we ensure that the 4IR will be able to help us understand the challenges, help us come up with innovation so that we can be able to address the issues of healthcare services. Like for example you saw in our country we are talking about the universal healthcare and the president had launched about community health promoters. What they normally do like for example they go where the community is, they collect data, that data is stored somewhere. So that you can be able to follow, you can be able to understand how people are, what they are going through and you can even do referrals. Because already you have data of the whole household or history or of an individual within a specific region whereby we create that universal healthcare system whereby maybe even if you become sick in Nairobi and you go to Mombasa still you can walk to any medical facility. They key in a unique identifier and they can be able to see your medical history and see how they can be able to start or to give you medication. So those are the key areas which is being championed or accelerated by the 4th industrial revolution. Because we are looking at automation, we are looking at AI, we are looking at robotic systems, we are looking at big data and we are looking at cyber security. You have talked about healthcare and what is being done, do you think we will get to that point which I think is not so hard where the UK is and the western countries where you can even just dial the doctor and get services virtually and it actually works for people. Yes. Are we getting there? Yes, this is where we are headed to and there is no turning back because with the proper infrastructure in place, with the proper systems in place and proper of rescaling which we have talked about to create that labour market will be able to, technology is going to create for us that platform which everything will be just from your, you just dial, wherever you are you dial and you get the information you want. At the comfort of your home. At the comfort of your, like nowadays, you see like on a weekend you are sitting at home and you feel that you don't want to cook. You simply dial something and somebody will bring you food. Yes, well there is that. Just before we finish, what do you think, because we have talked about all the positives, what are some of the things that we need to look out for even as we embrace this technology so that we do not, it doesn't become dangerous or overtake us in some ways. You know, the first instance is about a labour market because you will find that most, we subject many graduates to the job market but once we subject them to the job market, the industry does not give them a chance because maybe they don't have specific or required skills for that particular industry. So the best thing that we cannot talk about disadvantages as such, but the main disadvantage is you being left out. You don't conform to the industry requirements or industry, what they want, you cannot conform. So it is about rescaling ourselves so that as much as I have my degree, as much as I have my diploma, you know, as much as I have my certificate, what else or some, what sort of skills do I have, additional skills which again can make me stand out from the rest. And this will be only, we were talking about creating a platform and I am thinking of having a platform whereby we can have training institutions and the industry. So the industry can give us their needs, then we train as per their needs. So that when these guys, they come out, they find already a job in place waiting for them, you see. So you are being trained on something which is happening, you know. So not that you are being trained when you go outside there, you find whatever you did is totally irrelevant within the market. So we need to restructure and find, collect data from the industries, manufacturing, blue chip companies everywhere, you know, so that we can transform and compare with the, and even to realign the education system to conform to the needs of the industries. Yes. Okay, awesome. Last one before I forget it, climate change, you know, we, it's one of the key agendas of the world. Yes, yes. And technology plays a big part into the climate change. So how do we also, how do you think it's affecting climate change? How do we make sure as much as we're embracing technology, does it affect our planet? So a good question because the climate issue is talk of the day and talk of the global. And technology is not coming here to make it worse. But how now do we engage technology? Do we bring, how do we bring the aspects of technology to address the adverse effects of climate change? And you know, for example, we are talking about green energy, you know. We are talking about smart farming, you know. We are talking about electric cars. You know, we are doing away with the fossil fuels. So you know, technology has started playing a greater role when it comes to addressing the adverse effects of climate change. So there is no way technology will be able, it is only that if we misuse the technology. Now that we bring the aspect of e-waste management system. Now whatever electronic e-waste, how do we handle them? How do we dispose the e-waste? Because if we don't have a proper policy or mechanism on how we are going to address the e-waste management system, again technology is going to destroy the environment. So we must look at how now do we address the issues of e-waste management system? And again, how do we, well, technology play? How can we have e-foresting, you know, bringing technology, environmental, technology factors to ensure that we conserve and protect the environment, you know. So with the, and this will only happen through various innovations, you know, A. Very well said. Well put, all right. So that's why we counter-close on this unless you have something else you want to add as you give us your social media handle. So the only thing that I would like to add, we are in the fourth industrial revolution. And as we speak, it is the driver of the economy and driver of the entire globe. So whenever we are doing, let us not cry that there are no jobs, jobs opportunities are there. It is only that we are not well prepared to pick on these opportunities. So we need to think on how we can be able to rescale ourselves. Like we recently, the KCC results were released and we have those who are going to university, those who are going to technical training colleges, you know. And now what we need to think now as much as you are going to join the institution of higher learning. Do you have the concept, do you have an idea of the current situation or the future? Can you map yourself in the next 20, 50 years to come where the world would be when we roll out the aspect of technology? So you start to think what can you be able to do and conform to the requirements of the dynamics of the technology. So I would like the young people to be very innovative and to think on how they can rescale themselves so that they can be able to remain in the job market and create opportunities for them. Because the industries, they will always look how innovative you are. You know, I can be a doctor and I am a computer scientist at the same time. So when I am employed as a doctor, I can as well do other computer science. So they will not need to hire a doctor and hire a computer scientist. Maybe I am an accountant and I did, again, have done human resource. So I can be able to manage both. Because if you don't do that, that's why we are talking about the artificial intelligence where it is going to replace human. So before it replaces us, we must conform to the dynamics to be the controllers of the current situation, not the situation to controllers. Okay, I love that. Let us control the system, not the system controllers. So what kind of people have ideas on such a video? So LinkedIn, I am John Kopio. Twitter, John Kopio. Facebook, John Kopio. And I do mentorship programs, especially on tech and innovation, because that is my passion. And because that's where the world is going to, I want to ensure that the young people, I give them that mentorship so that they conform to the dynamics of the current situation, which is driven by technology. Alright, so all the information on the mentorship, they can find it on your page, right? Yes, yes. They will find everything there. Okay, awesome. So that has been engineer John Kopio. He is a computer forensics expert. He has been talking to us about the Africa's ICT development indicators and the Fourth Industrial Revolution. I hope you've taken something from it, one or two things. The main thing I've taken, let us control the system, not the system controllers. So let us risk it to adapt to the changing world. You know, we are all going technology. So we take a short break on this and then we'll be back with some entertainment interviews. Stick with us. Thank you.