It has been rumored for sometime that ICT Board was loaded with cash for local contents, but mystery has been why they have not called for people to apply for the funding. Yes,Ā back in February during Mobile East Africa ConferenceĀ Mr. Paul Kukubo talked about the funding for theĀ local content creators. On the sideline i asked him when would this be andĀ he promised that they would call for the proposals aroundĀ JuneĀ July this year. Well true to his words they have done so and now the ball is in the courts of the content creators. We have said it here before content is the King and in Kenyan case it has been like a baby, still scrawling but now the King is about to get legs.
Here is the summary of the announcement:
The Kenya ICT Board is pleased to announce the launch a Local Content and Software Applications Grant. A call for proposals was advertised this morning. Successful applicants will receive grants of up to US$ 50,000 for firms and US$ 10,000 for individuals.
All Tandaa Participants are encouraged to submit proposals for consideration for the Local Content and Software Applications Grant.
There are two grant opportunities. They include:
1. Government Information Portal
This Grant Component will support the development of the existing Government information portal (www.information.go.ke) developed by the Ministry of Information and Communication. There is increased demand for the development of web and mobile based information services that provide Government agencies and the public with readily accessible and transparent content and data. The grant will be utilized for developing:a) Specific content and applications
b) Innovative new content and applications
c) Urban and rural community based applications2. Private sector content and applications including SMS and IVR and e-Services
This Grants Component will support the development, roll out and scale-up of content and applications including SMS/IVR and e-Services. The purpose of this grant is to support individuals and firms to develop innovative communications and information applications that utilize web and mobile technologies. This grant is open to firms and individuals in the private sector who are interested in developing applications that would be of benefit to the general public or improve the delivery of existing services. The grant will cover the expenses for service and content development as well as awareness building.Grant Amount
The grant will be limited to a maximum of USD 50,000 for firms and USD 10,000 for individuals. The single currency for price conversions is Kenya Shillings, the source of official selling rates is Central Bank of Kenya and the date of exchange rates is the date of Call for Proposals advertisement.Deadline
Call for proposals: June 2, 2010
Deadline for proposals: July 19, 2010
Successfully grantees announced: 15 August, 2010
Disbursement of grant money: October 2010