By Onjili David
Kenya wins bid to host the 6th International Open Data Conference (IODC) to be held in Africa in 2020 in Nairobi for the first time. Themed “Bridging Data Communities”, this bi-annual conference aims at embracing Africa’s growing innovative space.
According to the Deputy President William Ruto, Kenya’s government is committed to the creation of an inclusive data ecosystem involving the government, the private sector, academia, civil society, local communities, and development partners that tackles the information aspects of development decision-making.
“We recognize that if Kenya is to move ahead, we must deliberately pursue collaboration between the government, academia, and entrepreneurs. It is no longer an issue of political will, but a matter of rational economic and political choice,” Ruto said in a statement, adding that it is humbling for the country to host such an event as it signals Africa’s readiness to play a leading role in bridging the different data communities to benefit the economy.
Last year, the ceremony took place in Buenos Aires, Argentina bringing together open data champions from government, civil society, academia and innovators to share, learn and collaborate policies, technology, tactics, tools and platforms, and is expected to attract nearly 3000 participants from over 100 countries.
