Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta has hailed the contribution made by digital technologies in filling the gaps created by COVID-19 containment measures in Africa.

Kenyatta spoke during the 2021 Africa Business Forum held virtually on the sidelines of the 34th Ordinary Session of the African Union Assembly of Heads of State and Government.

"In the face of containment measures necessitated by the pandemic (COVID-19), technology has kept governments and businesses running; and enabled international cooperation and engagements, such as we are involved in today to be sustained," he said.

Many countries in Africa and Globally imposed restrictions including lockdowns and travel bans in efforts to contain the spread of the virus.

These measures meant millions of people were forced to stay away from the physical office space and even away from social interactions.

In these times, digital platforms offered a much-needed work and engagement space, allowing people to deliver their duties and meet their families and friends albeit virtually.

In this regard, the 34th Ordinary Session of the African Union Assembly of Heads of State and Government was also held virtually, with president attending the meetings virtually from their respective countries.

In his remarks, President Kenyatta noted that Kenya is digitizing core government services such as filing of tax returns, land registries, court procedures and rulings, and public service records.

He however also warned against misuse of the digital platforms. To avoid this in the East African country, he said his administration is investing in training and capacity building of service providers and technology users.

"To ensure technology is embraced, holistically by all business sectors we must contain misuse/abuse of technology. We, therefore, in our training pay particular attention on ethics and values as it is key to sustainable adoption of technology," said Kenyatta.