Public sector urged to fully leverage digital technology

The Cabinet Secretary for the Ministry of Information, Communications and the Digital Economy, William Kabogo, has called on the public sector to optimally utilise digital technology to enhance public service delivery.

 

Speaking when he officiated the awarding ceremony of the Digital Transformation Public Sector Forum and Awards (DTPS) 2025 in Mombasa County, the CS noted that in recent years, the world has changed as a result of rapid technological advancements and changing societal expectations.

 

“Digital transformation is no longer a choice; it is a necessity for public institutions striving to meet the needs of citizens and efficiently manage resources. It serves as a catalyst for innovation, collaboration, and enhanced service delivery empowering our governments to respond more rapidly and effectively to the challenges of today,” he reiterated.

 

He stated that the Government’s commitment to digitally-enabled economic transformation is evident in the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) and the Kenya National Digital Master Plan 2022-2032.

 

He added that the Ministry, through the digital pillar of BETA, aims to lay the 100,000 kilometers of fibre, WI-FI hotspots, last mile connectivity to government offices and homes to improve internet access, build 1,450 digital hubs across the country for digital skilling, digitalization of government services, cybersecurity, emerging technologies, and a robust policy, legal, and regulatory framework.

 

Mr Kabogo emphasised the importance of collaboration between public and private sectors to fasten digital projects. He remarked that digital transformation of the public sector is a collective endeavor that involves not just government agencies but also partnerships with the private sector, civil society, and academic institutions.

 

“Together, we can leverage technology to drive systemic changes that meet the complex needs of our communities. Let us continue to seek opportunities for collaboration that break down silos and promote knowledge sharing,” the CS added.

 

He indicated that building a culture of innovation within public institutions requires continuous learning, adaptability, and resilience. 

He said the country looks forward to a paperless government, adding that there is a need to empower teams to experiment, take calculated risks, and learn from both successes and failures.

 

“We must foster environments where creativity thrives, and diverse perspectives contribute to the development of effective solutions,” he said.

 

21 winners were awarded in various categories for their exceptional performance in digital technology space.

 

The CS commended them for their outstanding contributions and leading in championing for digital transformation in different sectors in the public sector.

 

“Each nominee and award recipient has exemplified the spirit of transformation, demonstrating not just the capacity to embrace technology, but also a deep commitment to improving the lives of citizens,” he said.

 

In his remarks, ICT and the Digital Economy Principal Secretary Eng. John Tanui said the government is committed to fostering digital transformation by enhancing fibre optic connectivity, the connection of free public Wi-Fi and installation of digital hubs, noting that the government has installed at least seven undersea fibre optic cables.

 

The PS further praised the private sector for driving the country's digital journey, noting that the private sector has committed to installing 42,000 kilometres of fibre in the country.

 

DTPS Forum is an initiative by Greydale Africa, organized in partnership with MICDE, that brings together Principal Secretaries, Chairpersons, CEOs and Heads of ICT in Government Agencies to promote government’s digital transformation journey.

 

It provides a platform to share ideas, learn from each other, engage with private sector leaders in the technology sector and find solutions that will enhance service delivery through e-government.

 

The DTPS Awards recognize public sector organizations that have consistently leveraged technology to improve their effectiveness, efficiency, transparency, and service delivery to citizens.