The top official in charge of Kenya’s digital affairs, Eng. John Kipchumba Tanui has reassured citizens that the government is fully managing the E-Citizen platform, dispelling concerns about its private operation.
Tanui emphasized that the system, initiated in 2013 with support from the World Bank, is robust and has seamlessly integrated over 15,000 government services.
“The government took control of the system last year, ensuring its standards and objectives align with our needs,” stated Tanui.
This statement comes amidst concerns raised by Auditor General Nancy Gathungu over potential private control compromising financial transparency.
Tanui highlighted the significance of the E-Citizen system in advancing Kenya’s digital transformation, promoting clarity, transparency, and revenue collection across government agencies.
Speaking at a stakeholders’ workshop in Naivasha, Tanui addressed the challenges facing the Ministry of Information, Communications, and Digital Economy, including a substantial budget deficit.
He outlined the ministry’s ambitious digitization plans, estimated at Sh500 billion, aimed at youth employment and economic growth.
To fund these initiatives, partnerships with international organizations like the World Bank and the South Korean government have been established.
One of the flagship projects is the Konza Technopolis, envisioned as Africa’s Silicon Savannah.
Tanui stressed the need for a digitization fund to support the transformation of thousands of institutions across the country, emphasizing the importance of maintaining system security and broadband connectivity.
Regarding financial matters, Tanui disclosed a pending bill of Sh2.578 billion, under review to ensure transparency and accountability.
Additionally, efforts are underway to enact the ICT Infrastructure Bill to safeguard critical digital infrastructure.
The government’s commitment extends to establishing WiFi hotspots and digital hubs nationwide, with funding support from the National Government – Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF).
These initiatives aim to provide access to broadband and essential services, particularly in rural areas.
MP John Kiarie Waweru, along with other committee members, acknowledged the positive impact of digitization on youth employment and pledged legislative support to further these efforts.
Overall, the engagement reflected on progress, challenges, and future strategies to advance Kenya’s digital agenda, emphasizing collaboration between government and stakeholders to achieve common goals.
Nacada Stages Operations On Shisha Consumption In Nairobi, Arrest 10