Information Communications and Technology (ICT) Cabinet Secretary Joe Mucheru has termed digital archiving as the future outlet in news dissemination.
Addressing more than 100 field officers drawn from the Department of Information in the ICT Ministry at Maanzoni Lodge in Machakos County on Friday, Mucheru said for the society to keep abreast with a rapidly changing world, news must be channeled through a swift channel that can reach a large number of consumers.
He said with about 15 million Kenyans unable to access information due to lack of proper flow channels, online platforms hold the only solution to such challenges.
“Only 2 million Kenyans can access information through internet search engines such as Google with another 10 to 15 million others unable to access the same information. This means a majority of Kenyans are not in a position to get acquainted with issues that pertains to their day to day challenges including their basic rights,” he said.
He termed digital content platforms such as twitter and whatsapp remains the popular sites in reaching the public with 5 billion expected to embrace various online platforms in the next decade.
Mucheru told the participants comprising field information officers, videographers and photographers drawn from the 47 counties called for a speedy intake of digital platform to enable the public access what it needs within the shortest time.
He said current social media sites such as what up offers only a fragmented portion of information leaving much of vital details unknown.
He also singled out advertising as one of the key areas the officers should keenly focus on saying the sector remains one of the areas least exploited by members of the public.
“Majority of all advertising is derived from only a 100 companies which translating to 95 percent of all advertisements in the country. This means the largest number of people have never had their voice heard in as far as sensitizing the public on about what they do,” he added.
He was accompanied by ICT PS Sammy Witemere and Director of Information Gwaro Ogaro.
The two-day seminar which began on Saturday was organized by ICT Authority with funding from the World Bank.