Government to implement ICT Sector Working Group recommendations for digital transformation
By Evalyne Githinji
The Ministry of ICT and the Digital Economy will adopt a multi-stakeholder project coordination and delivery unit and high-level project governance framework to guide the implementation of recommendations by the ICT Sector Working Group (SWG).
The ICT SWG was tasked with reviewing the current ICT policies, legislative frameworks, and institutional capacities, and propose actionable reforms that will propel Kenya into a vibrant digital economy over the next 15 to 20 years.
The SWG was to assess and advise the MICDE on the necessary reforms to enable it to fulfill its mandate and meet expectations in a fast-changing operational environment and draft relevant bills, policies and strategy documents.
The MICDE Cabinet Secretary, Dr Margaret Ndung’u, accompanied by ICT and Digital Economy Principal Secretary Eng. John Tanui and the Principal Secretary for Broadcasting and Telecommunications Prof Edward Kisiang’ani received the SWG Final Report which has impactful recommendations across ten ICT thematic areas.
In his presentation, the SWG Chairperson Prof Timothy Waema said the SWG Final Report has given several recommendations which include developing a National AI and Emerging Technology Policy, revising the National ICT Policy, 2019 to align to industry trends, formulating the National Data Policy and enacting Kenya's Data Act and developing a National Cybersecurity Policy, amongst others.
In her address, the CS noted that to keep track of the implementation progress of the SWG Report recommendations, the Government will establish a multi-stakeholder project coordination and delivery unit that will be based within the Ministry.
The delivery unit, along with a project delivery committee composed of industry experts, development partners, academia, media and civil society will bring together experts to guide the implementation process.
In addition, the ministry will adopt a high-level project governance framework that will include a change & transformation management office (CTMO) chaired by the CS, with PSs and CEOs of the critical SAGAs as members and members from the private sector and the civil society.
The CS, who appreciated the SWG for formulating the well detailed report, reiterated that successful implementation of the recommendations will unlock new levels of innovation, increase access to digital services, and position Kenya as a leader in the global digital economy.
“We have the opportunity to foster a generation of digital entrepreneurs, to strengthen our infrastructure, and ensure that every Kenyan benefits from this digital transformation,” the CS said.
The CS said the SWG’s recommendations align well with the ministry’s priority areas which include accelerating broadband access and connectivity, fast-tracking digital skilling and job creation, promoting the development, adoption and usage of emerging technologies for social economic and gender development, promoting multi-stakeholder and inclusive approach to digital projects planning and implementation amongst others.
To ensure the successful execution of the recommendations outlined in the Report, the SWG has also provided detailed strategies for enhancing successful implementation.
CS Ndung’u stated that MICDE will collaborate with other key agencies to develop a National Portfolio Programme and Project Management Policy to ease the management of ICT projects and ensure that all ICT initiatives at both national and county levels are not duplicated and are aligned with the national goals.
She further observed that emerging technology, cybersecurity and other risks and threats continue to evolve and as such, the country’s legislative and regulatory frameworks must keep pace with the rapid changes in technology.
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