Kenya’s Principal Secretary for the State Department of ICT and Digital Economy, Eng. John Tanui, has emphasised the need to leverage digital skills and expertise to create opportunities for the nation’s youth.
Speaking at the ICT Secretaries and Directors Induction event held at the Kenya School of Government, Eng. Tanui highlighted that Kenya and Africa are poised to become the world’s largest emerging markets due to their growing populations and rapid technological advancements.
Accompanied by Ambassador Prof. Bitange Ndemo, Kenya’s former Permanent Secretary for ICT and now the Kenyan Ambassador to Belgium, Tanui stressed that integrating Information and Communication Technology (ICT) into various sectors is essential for driving inclusive growth. He pointed out that ICT can play a pivotal role in reducing the cost of living, eradicating hunger, expanding the tax base, and improving Kenya’s foreign exchange balance.
“The ICT Directors, who are already deployed to various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies, are tasked with steering digital transformation,” Tanui said. He called on the newly inducted ICT leaders to prioritise digital innovation in their respective institutions, and harness technology to achieve the country’s development objectives.
The event comes at a time when Kenya is positioning itself as a leader in technological innovation in Africa. The government’s focus on ICT is central to its strategy to build a robust digital economy, create jobs, and offer new opportunities to its growing youth population.
Ambassador Prof. Bitange Ndemo, who played a key role in shaping Kenya’s ICT landscape, echoed Tanui’s sentiments. He highlighted the need for continuous innovation to ensure Kenya remains at the forefront of technological progress in the region.
The government’s push for digital transformation is part of a broader vision to address socio-economic challenges, boost productivity, and create a tech-savvy workforce ready to compete on the global stage. With Kenya’s increasing digital infrastructure and ongoing efforts to build capacity, the country aims to position itself as a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship in Africa.
By Derrick Kafui Deti – Digital Economy Magazine
