Ministry urges public sector to adopt AI, Cloud Computing
EUGINE OTIENO-MyGOV
The Government has called on public institutions to accelerate the adoption of cloud computing and artificial intelligence (AI) as it steps up efforts to modernise public service delivery, strengthen data governance and position Kenya as Africa’s leading digital economy.
Speaking during the Oracle Public Sector Ministerial and Senior Leadership Summit in Nairobi, Information, Communications and the Digital Economy Cabinet Secretary, William Kabogo, said the country’s next phase of digital transformation will be anchored on trusted data, secure cloud infrastructure and a digitally skilled workforce capable of harnessing emerging technologies to improve service delivery.
The summit, which brought together senior government officials, Oracle executives, diplomats and technology leaders, focused on how public-private partnerships can accelerate Kenya’s digital agenda through investments in cloud infrastructure, artificial intelligence and digital skills.
The CS said the government’s adoption of cloud technologies will be guided by the Kenya Cloud Policy 2025 and the forthcoming National Data Governance Framework to ensure that public institutions migrate their systems securely while safeguarding citizens’ information.
“Our adoption of cloud will be guided by the Kenya Cloud Policy 2025 and its implementation guidelines. Public institutions will classify their data, procure services only from accredited providers and migrate their systems in a structured and secure environment,” he said.
“That is our role in embracing innovation while protecting the public interest,” he added.
He challenged public institutions to prioritise data governance, stating that artificial intelligence is only as effective as the quality of the information it relies on.
The CS said the Ministry is working with Oracle to expand training in artificial intelligence, cloud computing and digital technologies in universities, ICT Centres of Excellence and community digital hubs to prepare Kenyans for opportunities in the digital economy.
Principal Secretary for ICT and Digital Economy Eng John Tanui said the investment reflects the government’s deliberate efforts to position digital infrastructure at the centre of national development since 2022.
“When our President came into office, he placed the Digital Superhighway at the centre of delivering the country’s vision,” he said.
He noted that sustained engagement between the government and global technology firms had resulted in Oracle’s decision to establish its advanced AI-powered cloud platform in Kenya.
“Today we celebrate a great milestone. One of the world’s most advanced AI platforms is finally coming to Kenya,” he added.
Eng Tanui said the platform will provide innovators, enterprises and public institutions with modern digital infrastructure while creating new opportunities for Kenyan technology talent.
Principal Secretary for Broadcasting and Telecommunications, Stephen Isaboke, said Kenya’s ongoing investments in digital infrastructure including the rollout of 100,000 kilometres of fibre optic cable, digital hubs and public Wi-Fi are laying the foundation for the next phase of the country’s digital transformation.
He noted that cloud infrastructure and AI platforms such as Oracle’s will enable innovators and businesses to develop locally relevant digital solutions while creating new opportunities for young people.
“We are putting up the infrastructure across the country because that is what will support applications, cloud services and data,” he said.
The summit also received support from the United States Government, with U.S. Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Suzanne Barnes describing Oracle’s investment as a reflection of the growing strategic partnership between Kenya and the United States.