In a recent gathering at the Sarova Whitesands Resort in Mombasa, the Ministry of Information, Communication, and the Digital Economy (MICDE) called upon both public and private sectors to swiftly transition towards digital services.
Eliud Owalo, the Cabinet Secretary of MICDE, stressed the importance of embracing digital technologies, highlighting their potential to bring about numerous benefits such as driving innovation, creating job opportunities, and fostering economic growth.
Owalo underscored the significance of digitizing the Kenyan economy, citing initiatives like establishing digital hubs in villages, providing training to individuals, and enabling youth access to digital jobs.
The two-day event, organized by MICDE in collaboration with Greydale Africa and supported by companies like Amazon Web Services, Intel Africa, and Computer Revolution Africa, aimed to explore the intersection of technology and governance.
“We want leaders to learn from each other’s experiences and share best practices in driving digitalization,” Owalo remarked.
My Speech during the Digital Public Sector Awards Ceremony in Mombasa.https://t.co/Mqwr70smMS
— Eliud Owalo, FIHRM, EGH (@EliudOwalo) February 23, 2024
He mentioned the establishment of a Sector Working Group to analyze emerging issues and technological advancements and make recommendations for policy and regulatory improvements.
With the ongoing establishment of digital infrastructure by the government, Owalo envisioned a future where physical interaction for accessing services becomes unnecessary.
He urged participants to focus on digitizing all aspects of their organizations, emphasizing its crucial role in achieving success.
ICDE Principal Secretary John Tanui echoed Owalo’s sentiments, stating that the event enriched discussions on leveraging technology for digital transformation in the public sector.
He emphasized the need for digital skilling, online education access, and fostering digital entrepreneurship to ensure citizens can benefit from digital opportunities.
The event concluded with an award ceremony, where the County Government of Nyandarua and the Nairobi County Government were recognized for their contributions to digital innovation and transformation.
In reaffirming the Ministry’s commitment to advancing digitalization for inclusive growth, Owalo concluded,
“Together, let us embrace the challenges and opportunities of the digital age and build a brighter future for our nation.”
