Strathmore, Microsoft partner to drive digital transformation

As countries and industries across the world make the much-anticipated shift towards digital transformation, Strathmore University in Kenya and Microsoft has partnered in a move that is set to further transform and advance digital policy within the East African region.

In the immediate step, Microsoft’s partnership with with Strathmore focuses in digitally transforming the university’s law school. In so doing, Microsoft has sponsored the construction of the Microsoft Auditorium in its Sir Thomas Moore Building, and separately founded the high-tech Microsoft Policy Innovation Centre (“PIC”).

Christopher Akiwumi, Director for Government and Regulatory Affairs for Microsoft Middle East and Africa says that the move is coming at the right time; “With the Fourth Industrial Revolution upon us – new advancements in technology are changing the way we live our lives and how we interact. The benefits are endless, having the potential to transform businesses, countries, and make way for innovations for consumers and create economic opportunities. Challenges and issues that emerge can be effectively addressed by providing a space, through the Policy Innovation Centre, that enables collaboration and discussion.”

“With the Fourth Industrial Revolution upon us – new advancements in technology are changing the way we live our lives and how we interact. The benefits are endless, having the potential to transform businesses, countries, and make way for innovations for consumers and create economic opportunities. Challenges and issues that emerge can be effectively addressed by providing a space, through the Policy Innovation Centre, that enables collaboration and discussion.”

Christopher Akiwumi, Director for Government & Regulatory Affairs, Microsoft Middle East and Africa

As Klaus Schwab, founder and Executive Chairman, World Economic Forum said, “We stand on the brink of a technological revolution that will fundamentally alter the way we live, work, and relate to one another. In its scale, scope, and complexity, the transformation will be unlike anything humankind has experienced before. We do not yet know just how it will unfold, but one thing is clear: the response to it must be integrated and comprehensive, involving all stakeholders of the global polity, from the public and private sectors to academia and civil society.”

“The Policy Innovation Centre (“PIC”) will provide a forum to foster dialogue, discussion around policy issues that affect the biggest development challenges we face in the world today, as posed by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the Digital Transformation of industries and countries,” noted Akiwumi.

The PIC will draw upon and convene the talents of academia, industry and policy experts, and government. Together, they will address emerging issues at the forefront of the United Nation Sustainable Development Goals, Industries and Digital Transformation and explore the policy challenges we face in the region to overcome these issues.

Microsoft the leading platform and productivity company for the mobile-first, cloud-first world, has provided all equipment and work on the design for the auditorium facility, aimed at providing an immersive experience to students, participants and visitors.

Focused on its mission is to empower every person and every organisation on the planet to achieve more, Microsoft will also provide software, solutions and training for the implementation of the project. The Policy and Innovation Centre will be equipped with Office 365, providing users with productivity tools, to enhance their day-to-day experience.

Microsoft and Strathmore will also work together on programmes that address ICT-related themes that include legal and compliance, cloud, mobile and cyber-security across modern government, efficient judiciary, national security and transformative education.