Is Microsoft model good for EAC?

I come across this approach mostly among the youth afraid that someone will “steal their ideas.”

The country that stands to reap most from regionalism is that which will discover the wisdom of opening up to put its “ideas” to competition.

The one that will choose not to “inter operate” will still generate wealth and ideas but in a limited fashion.

Going back to Microsoft example, one of the world’s richest men, Bill Gates reaped benefits by investing in ensuring availability of his products to many outlets.

I do, however, agree with the legislators’ concern that the panel failed to address the key “how” question.

For instance, how technology can enable farmers get weather updates, enable citizens utilise the region’s resources efficiently and help transform our erroneous mindset that foreigners hold the key to fixing the regions challenges.

It seems that the regions bureaucrats are still fixated to the assumption that technology is for “others.”

That explains in part why most government department websites rarely get updated.

By devoting time to science and technology, the East African Community leadership gave a clear indication they recognise the importance of the same to the quest of integration.

Ordinary East African citizens are well ahead by using Kiswahili as a tool for interoperability.

Educational institutions are already competing and one can witness enrolment of students as each parent tests out school systems across the region.

The regions’ elite keen on protecting their “ideas” may soon find themselves out of the market.

It is for the benefit of citizens and business that the East African Community invests in standardizing tools of trade and regulation across the region.

Mr Shikwati is director, Inter Region Economic Network .james@irenkenya.org