By: Kanto Kai Okanta
Kenya has concluded the
Second ICT Sector Intergovernmental Consultative Forum in Naivasha, with
national and county government leaders agreeing on actions to strengthen
collaboration and accelerate the country's digital transformation agenda across
all 47 counties.
The forum, held at the Great
Rift Valley Lodge, focused on the implementation of resolutions from the
inaugural forum, preparations for the National ICT Summit 2027, the County
Digital Maturity Index, and the National AI Agenda alongside the draft National
Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) Roadmap.
The sessions were co-chaired
by Cabinet Secretary for Information, Communications and the Digital Economy,
Hon. William Kabogo, and Elgeyo Marakwet Governor and Chairperson of the
Council of Governors ICT and Knowledge Management Committee, Hon. Wesley Rotich.
Principal Secretary for the
State Department of ICT and Digital Economy, Eng. John Kipchumba Tanui, said
the discussions underscored the importance of translating connectivity
infrastructure into economic opportunities through stronger county participation
in attracting Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) and data centre investments,
expanding digital work centres and integrating digital skills development into
county programmes.
He noted that more than
30,000 kilometres of fibre optic infrastructure had been rolled out since 2022,
adding that the next priority was to ensure that connectivity delivers tangible
economic benefits.
The forum also emphasised
the need for interoperable digital foundations, including digital identity,
payments and secure data exchange, to improve public service delivery and
efficiency across national and county governments.
Participants further
discussed the County Digital Maturity Index as a tool to guide evidence-based
investments and identify capacity gaps across counties.
The meeting concluded with
the presentation and signing of resolutions outlining agreed actions and
implementation timelines.
Tanui acknowledged the
contributions of Principal Secretary for Broadcasting and Telecommunications,
Stephen Isaboke, and the Intergovernmental Relations Technical Committee
(IGRTC).
"Our focus now is
implementation: ensuring that our shared commitments deliver connected
institutions, accessible public services, digital jobs and inclusive economic
opportunities across all 47 counties," Tanui said.
