THE ICT AUTHORITYNEWSLETTER

The ICT AUTHORITY is urging every Kenyan citizen and resident to support all directives issued by Government to mitigate the COVID-19 Pandemic.

For updates visit *719#.#Stayhometosavelives

#KomeshaKorona

JAN- APRIL 2020 Edition

Jan - April 2020 Issue

ENABLING CONNECTIVITY Through NOFBI and County

Connectivity Project we are enabling access to information

ENABLING SERVICES Easy, convenient and efficient access to

government services by the citizenry

PARTNESHIP FOR GROWTH Collaborating with local and

international stakeholders for ICT adoption and use

ENFORCING STANDARDS To ensure alignment and consistency

of government ICT plans and processes at all levels

EDITORIAL TEAM Editor: Lilian Kimeto

Writers: Mukami Njue Calvin Odhiambo Naima Boru Samuel Maina Bernadette Khaduli Nelius Muthoni David Wanjala Daniel Mandi

1. Table Of Content

2. Editor’s Note

3.Ceo’s State Of The ICTA Brand Message

4. The ICT Authority Board & Management Meet To Evaluate Progress In Service Delivery

5 - 6. Countrywide School Visits By The DLP Inter-Agency Technical Committee Witnesses Increased Use Of Digitital Devices

7 - 8. The Digital Literacy Programme(DLP) Helping Children Learn From Home

9. Ps ICT & Innovation Releases Guidelines On Cyber Hygeine For Government Staff Working From Home

10. Supporting ICT Innovations

11.Digitalent Kanyi Success Story (Weka Luggage)

12.ICT Authority Participates In Tree Planting Activity In Ngong

13.Meet Mary Kerema The Senior Manager, Systems And Applications

14. Digitalent Interns Are A Pool Of Skilled ICT Experts Needed To Realise The Big Four Agenda

15. Ministry Of ICT Inducts 250 Interns

16. Connected Kenya 2020 Summit Postponed

17. Machakos University Embraces E-Voting

18. Ways Technology Is Helping To Fight The Coronavirus

19 - 21.Jerome Ochieng, Principal Secretary, Ministry Of Information, Communication, Technology And Youth Affairs

22 - 23. ICT Authority Receives Interns From The Public Service Commission(PSC)

24 - 25. County Staff & The 10 Commandments On The Use Of Digital Technology

26. The ICT Authority Mandate.

CONTENT

Teleposta Towers 12th Floor, Kenyatta Avenue PO Box 27150 - 00100 Nairobi Kenya Tel: +254 20 2089061 www.icta.go.ke

Graphic Designer: Abraham Masai

The ICT Authority is a State Corporation under the Kenya State Corporations Act 446

EDITOR’s NOTE I welcome you all to the January-April 2020 Edition of the ICT Authority Newsletter. This year, we look forward to growing it into a respected ICT sector publication.

I call for collaboration from all Directorates and Departments so that together we enrich the publication and use it to inform, educate and entertain our stakeholders.

I now welcome all our readers to enjoy the January-April 2020 Edition of the ICTA Staff newsletter whose special focus is what the ICT Authority is doing to address the COVID-19 related issues.For Correspondence: Please visit our social media platforms and give use your feedback;

ICT Authority

@ICTAuthorityKE

ICT Authority

ICTAuthority

ICT Authority

ICT Authority Kenya

communications@ict.go.ke

www.icta.go.ke

3

CEO’S STATE OF THE ICTA BRAND MESSAGE

The year 2020 started on a very energetic note. However, hardly had we started to roll up

our sleeves and got down to work than COVID-19 struck the world. Our country, Kenya has not been spared. Thankfully, the President ably led country in prayer for God’s intervention and the government in responding to this pandemic to save the life of every Kenyan.

As an organization we have not been spared and most of our staff are now working from home except essential staff. I thank each and every one of us because even in the face of the pandemic, we have ensured that there is business continuity. I remind us to pay attention to our core values of Integrity, Community, Thought and Accountability. As we all know the ICT Authority is a very strategic organization and right now, we are at the forefront of providing Email, internet, information Security and network support to Ministries, Departments

and Agencies through the Directorate of Shared Services.

Under the Digital Literacy Programme (DLP), there are ongoing conversations on how the digital devices can be used for E-learning by the children in the rural areas during the period of school closure and beyond.The Innovation department is also coordinating the ICT innovations and solutions that will support efforts to mitigate COVID-19.

We will, therefore, continue to support every government effort and comply with every directiveto ensure our Country conquers COVID-19.

I urge all Heads of Departments to ensure all Officers are on course to achieve the performance targets set in the 2019/20 Performance Contract and completion of critical activities so that we meet deadlines in project implementation. For example, the completion of NOFBI and EARTTDFP will make fiber accessible and bring every Kenyan online and so, make government online services accessible to every Kenyan.The PDTP Cohort IV Interns have a few months left and so, there is need to ensure that they are made ready in every aspect of the programme. Already, they are making their contribution into public service delivery and we hope that they will become job creators and provide the kind of solutions the country now and, even after we have conquered the Corona pandemic.

Every ICT Authority employee must be a part of and, support every effort by the Government of Kenya to contain the Covid-19 Pandemic. I reiterate my call for us all to comply with the Presidential directives that include social distancing, wearing masks as well as complying with the curfew and containment guidelines that are currently in force.Let us set the example that obedience is the best protection.

Dr. Katherine Getao, EBS ICT Authority CEO

4

The ICT Authority Board and Management met in March 2020 to take stock of progress made so far in programmes, projects and services being implemented by the Authority.

During the forum, the Board and Management went through a capacity building process where different government agencies of government took them through audit, procurement and finance management procedures. The aim of this is to ensure that the Authority’s Board and Management complies with all government regulations and procedures that touch on finance, procurement, audit and project management

The Board of Directors Chairman, Nani Mungai called on the Management to integrate research into programme and project implementation so that the desired outcomes are achieved. The Chairman also said there was need to understand and fully address all the issues causing delay or low percentage outcomes in project implementation.On her part, the CEO, Dr. Katherine Getao thanked the Board for their support and committed that management will re-double its efforts to ensure the success of the programmes being implemented

The ICT Authority Board & Management Meets To Evaluate Progress In Service Delivery

on behalf of government.The Authority also welcomed Director Beatrice Akoth Okoth (below)who joined us in February 2020.

Board Chairman,Nani Mungai posing for a photograph with other Board Directors,HODs and Officers during the Naivasha retreat from 1st to 6th March 2020

5

In the month of March 2020, the ICT Authority led a team of 50 officers drawn from 15 Agencies that are implementing the Digital Literacy Programme (DLP) in visiting Proof of Concept (POC) Schools countrywide. The countrywide exercise was monthlong. The Officers observed that despite many challenges facing the implementation of DLP, the following was successes were notable:a) The teacher devices have really helped schools in administrative work, for example in filling TPAD, candidate registration for KCPE and NEMIS. This has saved a lot of costs incurred in doing the same in cyber cafes.b) The projectors are helping some teachers in delivering their own content for classes that do not currently have content in the devices i.e. Grade 4 to Grade 8c) The projectors have helped teachers in researching and streaming content from external sources e.g. Youtubed) Most teachers now have a better attitude and perception towards the different components of the programme (devices, content, support, etc.).There is peer support amongst some teachers as they stir one another to utilize the devices. Even the Head teachers who were keeping them away from possible theft have the confidence to bring them out for

use and are supporting their teachers in their utilization.e) In the ASAL counties such as Tana River, Turkana and Mandera, there is increased enrollment because the children are excited to use the devices. Most parents are sending their children to school to use the devices and come teach them on how to use phones for mobile payment transactions. At the same time, absenteeism from school has gone down as more learners together with their parents would like to be in school daily to use the devices. Overall, ICT Authority Officers are doing their level best to offer the first line support to schools. The ICT Authority Officers have also been training teachers on how to use technology and there is an increase in the number of teachers that have internalized DLP’s principles of” learning to use technology “and “using technology to learn”.

In two schools, namely Kitale Academy and Namelsekon primary school in Turkana, Digital Literacy and digital values by the learners have taken root. In both schools, the visiting team was received by ICT teachers who not only know how to use technology for teaching and learning but are very passionate about the role DLP is playing in

Countrywide School Visits By The DLP Inter-Agency Technical Committee Witnesses Increased Use Of Digital

Devices

Children at the Catholic Integrated School in Wajir using the DLP devices for learning.(Picture by Mohammmed Dek)

By Naima Boru

6

integrating technology into CBC.At Namelsekon Primary school in Turkana South, the headteacher has fully embraced ICT integration. She is a very passionate ICT champion who say that if supported, DLP will go a long way in improving the quality of education in ASAL schools. She is confident that despite the harsh terrain and lack of electricity in her school, her learners will get the full benefits of using the devices.There are several challenges that hamper the implementation of DLP and which call for concerted efforts and collaboration by all stakeholders, including school communities and opinion leaders.On the Safety of the devices, some places in the country have made strides .For example, In Kapchebit Primary School, Elgeyo Marakwet County, the area Chief has taken it upon himself to educate the community on ensuring that no device is lost and the schools in his area have all devices in use and safely stored.

Poor Infrastructure in schools also needs urgent attention. There are insufficient classrooms in several Wajir, Lamu, Turkana and West Pokot counties. This calls for a joint effort by NGOs, well wishers, etc. to mobilise resources for the development of the much needed infrastructure. The visiting teams encouraged schools’ Board of Management to seek for alternative funding to improve school infrastructure so that designated ICT rooms are available for the learners.

The use of technology for teaching and learning is no longer a luxury but a necessity. This ought to be the concern of not only government but communities, academia and even political leaders so that every Kenyan child can access formation education,on-line.

Grade three Pupils at Konyao Arid Zone Primary School in Pokot North

7

It is now clear that when H.E. President Uhuru Kenyatta conceived the Digital Literacy Programme (DLP), this was a futuristic programme that he was putting in place.Today, children in most countries are at home. Some of these children can access online learning facilities and so are going on with their formal education. But there are other children who are completely out of formal learning and, can only wait in hope that the global Corona pandemic ends so that they can go back to school.Well, even in the midst of this formal education darkness, there is light. In Kenya, the Digital Literacy Programme(DLP) is that vehicle that can be utilised for e-learning for thousands of our children who are currently at home.Through DLP, the government is integrating ICT in teaching and learning. This is the programme that will deliver quality education to every Kenyan child and equip them with skills of the 21st century, including digital literacy. This will come in handy now at this time when the Covid-19 Pandemic has precipitated a crisis in the education sector.It is for this reason that the government of Kenya has put in place innovative ways of containing the disease as well as maintaining the business continuity even in the education sector. There is no doubt that the corona pandemic will create a new world order in the way education will be conducted and even how business will be conducted using technology. Technology gurus must have seen it coming; no wonder they provided all solutions for all times. Some of the technologies such as tele-conferencing, video conferencing, telecommuting used to sound like a dream but here we are trying to exploit all these technologies to stay afloat. Businesses have closed shop forcing workers to use technology and work from homes.As a country, we are now at the point where we are evaluating the technology options to be utilized for every sector. Thankfully, the education sector is already ahead because the implementation of digital literacy programme is ongoing . Through the programme, the ICT Authority has so far supplied over one million digital devices to over 216,690, public primary schools across the country, trained over 331,000 teachers, developed and distributed digital educational materials for grades 1-3 and, set up cloud infrastructure for content update and hosting. The main objective of DLP, running under ‘Digischool’ brand, is to integrate technology into teaching and learning and also enable E-learning. Part of the programme is also to provide internet to all primary and secondary schools and extend it to Currently, experts from the ICT Authority, KICD, the Ministry of Education and the Communications

Authority are working round the clock to find means of utilizing technology to address the current crisis in the education sector.Some of the options being considered are (a) provisions of internet connections in all the schools, (b) development of a sustainable content infrastructure with adequate learning materials for all learners as well (c) training of teachers to use their own devices to deliver content.The solutions that will be arrived at will automatically change Kenya’s education system. It will also address other historical challenges such as shortage of teachers since the available ones will use both their skills and technology to reach large numbers of learners.In addition, expert teachers can also be allowed to share their best approaches in teaching and learning through the platform provided by technology and so this will improve the quality of content delivery and so improved learning outcomes.The DLP Model is that of “Learning to use technology” in Phase I, then in Phase II “using technology” to learn. These digital skills will come in handy to children in rural and other marginalized areas because, with provision of internet to schools, it means internet will reach the ‘village’ and so every child ought to be digitally literate. This will be a game changer to business opportunities and the way of working. It is hoped that partners will support the government in providing internet to all corners of the country, including underserved areas, more business opportunities will definably come up and citizens will experience the true benefiting of telecommuting and reduction in traffic jam in major town.Through the National Optic Fibre Backbone Infrastructure (NOFBI), the Authority has completed 8,900 Kms of fibre in all the 47 counties and all sub counties that will take the internet we are talking about to the entire country. This has brought connectivity to all government buildings in all counties. The Connectivity is powering

The Digital Literacy Programme (DLP) Helping Children Learn From Home

Fibre Ducts at Kainuk Bridge,Turkana County(Photo Credit: Lilian Kimeto)

By the Communications team

8

e –government series such as IFMIS at counties and sub counties as well as to social infrastructure such as hospitals and learning institutions. Through Huduma Centres countrywide , the government is using this connectivity to render e-government services to Wananchi. Through this programme, the Authority will make fibre accessible and bring every Kenyan online and so making e-learning a reality throughout the country.In addition, through the East Africa Regional Transport, Trade & Development Facilitation Project (EARTTDP), work for laying 600 Kms of fibre from Eldoret-Nadapal is ongoing. Through the Project, Government will achieve regional integration and connectivity with South Sudan as part of the East Africa Community integration efforts. The project will also open up North Rift counties of Uasin Gishu, Trans Nzoia, West Pokot and Turkana through connectivity.

1. Last year, the ICT Authority led a sector guided process of reviewing ICT Standards which the process of adoption is being finalised. One of the Standards is one for Information Security (IS) which will go a long way in securing the country’s digital space to facilitate e-commerce as well as adoption and implementation of citizen services on the cloud. Through NOFBI we have provided a secure government network. The other eight reviewed were Standards on Data Centre, ICT Network, Systems & Applications, Information Security, ICT Human Capital &Work- force Development, End User Equipment, Electronic Records & Data Management and IT governance. The Authority has also developed the National ICT Infrastructure Master Plan.This is one of the documents that have been developed to support ICT governance. On cyber security, the Authority has reviewed the Government Common Core Network (GCCN) to make

it safer.Further, as technology fuels many sectors, there will be need for more IT skilled youth to enable not only e-learning but a digital economy. This will be achieved through PDTP the Government of Kenya is producing the critical mass of high-end ICT human capital as envisioned in the Kenya National ICT Master Plan, which stipulates that the development of quality ICT human resource is critical for Kenya to realize the development of a viable ICT sector.This has been twinned with the Whitebox Programme that seeks to support innovation in the ICT space to meet the various challenges posed by the crisis and even after the pandemic crisis will be over. The ICT Authority continues to support ICT Innovation communities by providing them platforms where they can register their ideas, patent them and link them with the possible buyers.There is, therefore, a silver lining in this Corona Virus situation and as we have seen, every sector of the economy now is turning to technology for business continuity. Just this week, we saw reports in the social media that Justice Hannah Okwengu had delivered 57 judgements and rulings of the Court of Appeal via video link. E-commerce is now online and is robust. Supermarkets and food chains are making brisk business online. Telemedicine is helping to alleviate the situation globally and even here in Kenya. Medical experts are offering consultations, and prescriptions online.In conclusion, the ICT Authority is doing everything possible to ensure that all the programmes it is running provide solutions for continued service delivery to Mwananchi during these difficult times. All these efforts must be supported by the population because we are currently living in times that technology can provide quick solutions.

Engineers inspect fibre at Lokicharr,Turkana County (Photo Credit: Lilian Kimeto)

9

The Principal Secretary, State Department of ICT & Innovation, Jerome Ochieng, has released guidelines on cyber hygiene for government staff working from home.In a letter dated 19th March to all Ministries, Departments & Agencies, the PS pointed out that this was in line with the Presidential Directive to deter the spread of the virus. Government Offices, Businesses and Companies are, therefore, encouraged to allow employees to work from home as the Ministry of ICT has activated policy guidelines on Information Security as well as the internet and other support services.The PS noted that the ICT Authority, a State Corporation under the Ministry of ICT mandated to establish, develop and maintain secure ICT infrastructure and systems, has put in place the following measures to ensure cyber hygiene and security of government of Kenya systems are maintained in line with the GoK Information Security Standard:1. To staff in all Government agencies who are logging & Accessing Government Systems, to comply with the following guidelines:(a) To Secure Wi-Fi and VPN connection, all remote connections to critical government systems shall be via secure VPN connections and where possible, limit and monitor the staff connections continuously.(b) All Ministries, Departments & Agencies should ensure they have in place valid and updated Anti- virus and Anti-Malware Software.(c) All Ministries, Departments & Agencies should ensure their Security tools/Softwares such as privacy tools, add-ons for browsers have been updated with the latest patch levels and regularly checked/ monitored.(d) Agencies shall ensure that critical systems are regularly backed up in line with their respective backup policies.(e) For all government communications, all Government of Kenya employees shall use secure connections that guarantee encryption (ssl).(f) ICT Officers and Information Security officers of the respective Agencies are advised to be extra vigilant and to continually monitor their Infrastructure and security systems. Any unusual and strange activity on the networks they manage must be flagged out and reported using the respective escalation lines.2. The next set of measures are targeted at staff engaged in teleworking:(g) All government of Kenya employees to ONLY use secure Public Wi-Fi Access points in connectingto government systems.(h) Access to all critical government systems/ data shall be restricted to the designated VPN link/

PS ICT & Innovation Releases Guidelines On Cyber Hygiene For Government Staff Working From Home

Connection by the relevant Ministry, Department & Agency.(i) All government Agencies are to activate a Clear Screens Policy to ensure that Screens for teleworking devices are locked at all times of inactivity. This is to ensure that confidential, restricted or sensitive information is kept out of unauthorized access.(j) Only use authorized back-up and storage media to be used by Officers if working and doing backup remotely.(k) All government of Kenya should ensure their machines are running the latest patch level of an Anti-Virus and anti-Malware.(l) All employees to ensure that their laptops and Machines require authentication & Log-ins prompt for any user to log-in.(m) Employees are discouraged from the use of public cyber cafes to access government systems but instead encouraged to use private connections (data bundles)(n) All Officers are required to report any unusual and strange activity on your machines and laptops to your respective ICT contact persons.(o) Government of Kenya Employees shall be vigilant and wary of social engineering schemes not to divulge sensitive government information through coercion.Compliance with these instructions and initiatives for both the staff and agencies will greatly enhance the safety and hygiene of our systems across government.In the event there be a business need to assist please urgently, the PS asked agencies to notify ICT Authority through infosec@icta.go.ke and website www.icta.go.ke

Many civil servants are now working from home in compliance with the Presidential Directive.

By Communications Team

10

Many Kenyans continue to face challenges as they try to turn their ideas into real innovations, finding financial or even moral support especially in the ICT space.It is for that reason that the ICT Authority conceptualized the Huduma Whitebox. This is a platform which offers an avenue for anyone who wants to present/share/sell an idea, innovation, invention or solution.Using the platform, The ICT Authority is seeking to provide end to end support for persons engaging in ICT Innovation and so spur enterprise in the ICT sector. Through the platform, we receive submissions on a need, facilitate access to financial support for identified cases. We also provide technical support during incubation as well as advice on access to market and networking opportunities.Kevin Atibu the Head of Innovation Department, notes: “Each year, a million more people get into the Kenyan job market. Entrepreneurship through innovation needs to be considered by the youth as means to create wealth to reduce the dependency on formal employment”.The ICT Authority Strategic Plan envisions a more robust infrastructure to support ICT innovation. The Authority’s CEO, Dr. Katherine Getao hopes that this will stir Kenyans to come up with as many ideas as possible and get support to turn them into viable solutions.The Authority is also partnering with partners in the ICT Innovation ecosystem to reduce cases such as those where innovators are either conned of or scammed by training them on guidelines they should follow and also letting them know the kind of people

Supporting ICT Innovations

they can work with during their innovation journey. Already 658 innovators are registered on Whitebox. A total of 255 innovations have been submitted. Those that relate to Big 4 Agenda include 36 on housing, 51 manufacturing, 50 health and 41 food security.

“Ideas are worth nothing if they are not actively worked on. Therefore, innovators should do satisfactory research on the ideas they have as well as practice co-creation to open avenues where they can work-together with each other before submitting an idea,” adds Atibu.The www.whitebox.go.ke portal, provides innovators with a four stage template. First, they are asked to key in details of the innovation and this is followed by the evaluation stage (to determine its viability). In this stage, ideas that focus on Big 4 Agenda are given priority. After evaluation, all innovations considered viable are developed into services or products. The innovator then works with Huduma Whitebox team and partners in rolling out the products or services, while being guided by Government procurement law.However, in most instances, the innovators are said to have done less research on the ideas they have and instances of duplication of ideas or clichés are reported. To evade this, the youth are encouraged to do more research so that they bring novel ideas for support.

We invite all interested persons and those with ideas to engage with us through the Whitebox website

By Mukami Njue

11

By Mukami Njue

Running errands, be it personal or business while carrying luggage can be a cumbersome process especially in these busy streets of the Central business District, Nairobi.Sometimes one runs into delays into making it to appointments, or sometimes entering an office with bulky items that one does not need in a boardroom meeting. Perhaps, visiting a friend, who has a small dwelling room in one of the city estates, may remain a puzzle.For Carole Kanyi, 30, explains her crazy observations, more often than not an innate talent that enabled her find a solution.Kanyi, a graduate in Computer Science from South Eastern Kenya University, has embarked on innovative ideas towards problem solving.“I joined Presidential Digital Talent Program (PDTP) in 2016,” she explains. The Cohort II alumnus attests how her innovative skills propagated to entrepreneurship.“I came up with three innovation ideas before the Weka Luggage novelty was borne,” she says.In 2015, after noting majority of the people lose documents but are unacquainted of how to trace them, she invited Lost and Found, which saw to it that individuals collect lost documents. However, the turnout was not pleasing since Kanyi lacked storage space.In 2017, together with her colleagues, Kanyi revived the Lost and Found App but this time with a different agenda. She called it the Spare Keys Kenya. She stored all spare keys ranging from house keys, car keys, safe box keys and company keys and delivered them when need be.“An individual would pick the keys up or send a representative, as long as they have their National Identification with them and prove that the owner of the key had really sent them. This was a better version trial for the Lost and Found but it didn’t go well either,” she narrates.In 2018, she sought to have an online shopping innovation, which encompassed people doing shopping and later sending it to their loved ones. This too faced a challenge of storage since not all clients picked their deliveries on agreed time.“I faced the challenge of storage of the documents, keys, shopping and all the stuff we had to store before the client picked them. This was one of the things that contributed to the birth of Weka Luggage,” she recounts.In August 2019, she launched the Weka Luggage, service delivery App. “Weka Luggage is a temporary luggage storage app that links clients who need temporary storage

Digitalent Kanyi Success Story (Weka Luggage)

with storage agents in Nairobi. The agents are vetted individuals who have been accredited by the Weka Luggage team to store luggage safely for specified duration (https://wekaluggage.com),” she explains.The team works together to store four types of luggage: light luggage; bulky luggage; special luggage which comprise of fragile and perishable luggage and; executive storage where pricy luggage and luggage that needs to be handled with extra care is stored.Every luggage stored is scrutinized by the agent and recorded in the app for security purposes. “People are reluctant to accept this change, because it’s all techie. Nevertheless, I appreciate how the youth and our “digital parents” are accepting it since they feel tired of queuing at the bus station parcel delivery points to pick and send their luggage,” she says.The storage charges are determined by the duration stored and the type of luggage. Charges are standard for everyone and are invoiced by the app. The first 30 minutes of storage are free of charge.Weka Luggage has now partnered with Cube Movers and Bei Wazi for bulky storage and long-term storage, especially storage of luggage on a monthly basis. For example, importers who need large storage space for their luggage and clients who would like to declutter their homes and offices so as to create more space.However, Kanyi advocates for integrity among her employees who would prefer to do backdoor services to earn extra cash.“I encourage my employees to exercise integrity since if anything is lost or is found illegal and it is not in the system, then they will have to pay for any damages,” she urges.She however, encouraged everyone to actively implement their ideas since through that, they will gain the right partners to hold their hand through the journey.“Through the Huduma Whitebox, I receive mentorship and advisory support in the ideation and development process until Weka Luggage became a business. I was accorded networking opportunities through which I was able to pitch my innovation and managed to get investors,” she concludes.

12

The ICT Authority in collaboration with ministry of ICT, Communication Authority of Kenya (CA), Kenya Film Commission and Ngong Hills Metro Community Forest Association took part in planting of 5000 seedlings in Ngong, Nairobi.The event whose sole aim was to increase forest cover by 2022 took place on Friday 24th January, with Juliana Yiapan representing the Cabinet Secretary for ICT being the chief guest.

Speaking during the one day event, Ms. Juliana Yiapan remarked that it is paramount for state corporations to work towards achieving the government target of achieving 10 percent tree cover 2 years from now. She further

ICT Authority Participates In Tree Planting Activity In Ngong

By Calvin Odhiambo.

emphasized that the ICT Ministry is committed to contributing to the attainment of 10 per cent tree cover for Kenya and will continue working hand in hand with Kenya Forest Service (KFS) in other forest rehabilitation programs to ensure the target is met by 2022.

Also present during the Director Programmes & Standards, Paul Rono urged stakeholders to aid in rehabilitating the degraded areas in Ngong Hills. He also noted that the ICT Authority will work with willing partners to ensure tree planting in all public primary schools where the Digital Literacy Programme(DLP) is being implemented.

The Team that accompanied Director Paul Rono(not in the picture) represented the ICT Authority during Tree Planting in Ngong Nairobi on January 24, 2020.

Director Paul Ronoh,joins Ministry of ICT top Officials led by Director of Adminstration, Juliana Yiapan in the tree planting exercise in Ngong

13

In this issue of the Newsletter, we would like to celebrate Ms. Mary Kerema, who is one of the women that have scaled the ICT heights and is now the Head of the Authority’s Systems & Applications Department.Mary joined the ICT Authority in 2015 when was appointed the Senior Manager Standards and Processes. Later, she was re-designated to Senior Manager, Systems and Applications, a post she serves to date. Kerema oversees the department whose functions include the development, deployment and maintenance of the government enterprise systems. The Applications department also facilitates Ministries, Counties, Departments and Agencies (MCDAs) in the designing and implementation of e-Government Solutions and systems for MDAs and avails them in the Huduma and E-citizen platform. The department also facilitates the implementation of ERP Systems for government agencies. She has over 20 years of experience in ICT management and business intelligence of which 12 years in managerial level. She has a wealth of expertise in designing, strategic planning and management of Information systems, with particular focus on how ICTs can be effectively integrated into and, be of benefit to the Government a technical advisor and project and has been the lead in a number of ICT projects.Some of the systems the Department has developed include the farmer registration system and

Meet Mary Kerema the Senior Manager, Systems and Applications

National integrated Agricultural system concept, the Integrated State Corporation Management Information System (ISCMIS), guiding the implementation of several ERP systems, company registry, E-Citizen, implementing Government shared services Email system, managing all Government websites, managing ‘.go.ke’ domains and developing Digital Services Masterplan CRD

As a Head of Department, Mary is part of the teams that the CEO has tasked to develop the Strategic Plan as well as Standards and Procedures for the National Government. Ms. Kerema, a graduate from the University of Nairobi holds a Bachelor’s degree and MA in Information System also holds a Graduate Diploma in Management of Information systems from the Institute for the Management of Information Systems (IMIS).The Global e-Schools and Communities Initiative (GESCI) has recognized Ms. Kerema among the African leaders in ICT and awarded her a diploma. She is also a registered practitioner of PRINCE2 as well as a Member of the professional association for Information Security professionals (MIMIS). Mary is also an affiliate of the technical committee developing National ICT Standards, the technical committee on the digitization of court records, the Digital Government pillar for the Digital Economy Blueprint and the technical committee on the digitization of court records.On the Strategic Plan, Mary lauds the CEO of the ICT Authority. Dr. Katherine Getao for leading a process that will culminate in the launch and implementation of the Strategic Plan that will transform the Authority’s way of delivering service to the citizen. The Applications Department will focus on the delivery of Digital Services which she says will help us realign the vision of using ICT to transform lives.Mary believes that Dr. Getao, both a scholar and thought leader is guiding the ICT Authority to become a strategic organization in Kenya in the coming days.“I have not met a visionary leader, humble and sincere person and deep thinker all wrapped in one. I see all that in Dr. Getao”. Mary says she is deeply indebted to the Ag. Director, Shared Services, Joshua Muiruri who she calls her ‘Career Father’. She also thanks the entire team at the Applications Department who she refers to as the highest concentration of code, programming, system developers anywhere in this country.During the COVID-19 Pandemic the ICT Authority Applications team has worked round the clock to provide applications and system support to all MDAs and facilitate Tele conferencing platforms.

Mary Kerema, Senior Manager, Systems and Applications

14

Digitalent Interns Are A Pool Of Skilled ICT Experts Needed To Realise The Big Four Agenda

The ICT Authority CEO, Dr. Katherine Getao hosted the Digitalent interns for their quarterly meeting during which she called on them to be good ambassadors of the program, which is using mentorship to produce high end technology experts.

Getao also noted that so far, 900 interns have graduated from the previous three cohorts and about 400 of them securing jobs in the corporate world, while private and public sectors supported the programme by providing internships and mentorships.

The Guest was Principal Secretary for ICT and Innovation, Jerome Ochieng, who said the government was committed to the ongoing digital transformation exercise to facilitate effective and efficient delivery of service in public offices. The PS also stressed that technology had become the cornerstone of daily operations in recent times hence the push to keep pace with ever growing dynamics and challenges and adapt to the global realities of life.

“We are growing a nation where every citizen, enterprise and organization has digital access and the capability to participate and thrive in the digital economy,” said the PS, who further observed that the PDTP programme launched by President Uhuru Kenyatta in 2015 was aimed at providing a high end human capacity to the public. He observed that the Country’s Digital Master Plan will serve as one of Kenya’s contributions in championing the growth of an African-wide digital economy for all of Smart Africa Alliance members as envisioned by President Uhuru Kenyatta.

one-year opportunity to capacitate themselves and be ready for the job market as well as create jobs themselves.

On her part, ICT Director for Partnership, Innovation and Capacity, Eunice Mueni Kariuki stated that the programme is a cure for unemployment by making the cohorts job creators. The President conceived the Programme in 2015 in a bid to improve ICT development in the country. The Programme is designed to build and entrench ICT capacity within the Kenyan Government to ensure ICT effectiveness and efficiency in service delivery. Meanwhile, according to the Kenya National Economic Survey report of 2020, the value of the ICT sector in the country expanded by 12.9 per cent from Sh345.6 billion in 2018 to Sh390.2 billion in 2019, driven by growth in the digital economy.

ICT Authority CEO Dr. Kate Getao addressing the Presidential Digital Talent Programme (PDTP) Cohort IV Interns during their quarterly meeting at The Kenya School of Government, Nairobi on January 29, 2020.(Photo by Eric Bosire).

ICT and Innovation PS Jerome Ochieng addressing Cohort IV, Presidential Digital Talent Programme (PDTP) interns at The Kenya School of Government, Nairobi on January 29 2020 during the quarterly meeting. (Photo by Erick Bosire)

By Naima Boru & Calvin Odhiambo

15

The government has initiated Ajira Digital Progamme to enable the youth seeking employment earn decent income through online work.

The Information, Communication and Technology Principal Secretary (PS), Jerome Ochieng said through the Ajira program, over 1 million youth will be able to earn above minimum wage from the digital platform annually.

Ochieng said the explosion of the internet has created an opportunity for companies and startups to create new products and services, thereby creating job opportunities for diverse groups through outsourced work.The PS said, “We will make deliberate efforts to raise the profile of online work and promote Kenya as a capital of global freelance hub,” adding that the program aims at introducing young people to on-line work and providing them with necessary tools, training and mentorship. Speaking on January 27, 2020, during the official opening of the five-day Public Service Commission Ajira Digital Interns Induction program workshop at the University of Nairobi, Ochieng said the government has established a broad range of inventions to deal with the growing rate of unemployment with specific attention to the youth. The 250 interns, who were posted to the County Information Offices countrywide, are expected to help in facilitating the success of Ajira Digital program by providing technical support services across the country.

The PS said to date the ministry has provided skills, trained and mentored over 10,000 people on online work, besides conducting online work campaigns and setting up infrastructure.

“To encourage the uptake and application of technology and support the Ajira Digital programme, the government has set up over 150 Constituency Innovation Hubs across the country and provided broadband connectivity and digital devices,” he said, adding that the centers will facilitate access to online job opportunities.

“We plan to have four constituency innovation hubs in every constituency by the end of the programme and this will increase the number to 1,160 innovation hubs countrywide,” he added. The PS told the interns to exercise high standards of professionalism, accountability, transparency, effectiveness and efficiency, while discharging their duties, saying a positive attitude towards work willenable them to contribute

Ministry Of ICT Inducts 250 Interns

to the country’s socio-economic and political aspirations.

At the same time, Ochieng noted that Kenya has embarked on its transformative journey towards the digital economy, which has facilitated the growth of various digital application and services in the public and private sectors such as banking, health, housing, transportation and agribusiness.

“You are entering the service at this moment will make you part of the team spearheading the implantation of some our digital solutions and strategies,” he told the interns.

The PS said the Digital Economy Blueprint launched by President Uhuru Kenyatta focuses on the achievement of the country’s Vision 2030 and the President’s Big Four Agenda, while urging the youth that the government counts on their innovation support as digital warriors to realize some of its programs.

He said according to the Kenya National Economic survey report of 2019, the value of ICT sector expanded by 12.9 percent from Sh.345.6 billion in 2017 to Sh.390.2 billion in 2018, which he attributed to growth in the digital economy. The ICT Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Katherine Getao said the ICT ministry has various programs to build the capacity of the youth and will continue imparting technology skills to the young people to enable them to compete effectively in the ever competitive job market.

Ajira Interns during the official opening of the five-day Ajira Digital Interns Induction program workshop at the University of Nairobi

By Bernadette Khaduli

16

Connected Kenya 2020 Summit Postponed

The annual connected Kenya Summit 2020 that was to take place in May, 2020 has been postponed.During the March 13, 2020 stakeholder’s breakfast forum, the ICT Authority CEO, Dr. Katherine Getao had announced the dates for the 11th Edition of Connected Kenya Summit. This was informed by a stakeholder survey that the Authority carried in 2019 whose findings revealed that most stakeholders preferred the April-May season for having the event. Connected Kenya Summit is an experiential thought leadership ICT summit and, is the largest in the region bringing together over 1000 delegates converging to discuss, share knowledge, identify gaps and enrich government policy formulation.Speaking during the launch event in the Connected Kenya 2020 Summit breakfast meeting, CEO ICT Authority Dr Katherine Getao observed that there is a tremendous opportunity to open up for more partnerships and sponsorships to make this year’s event a success. She opined that this year’s event will be used to find out solutions to respond to issues that emerge for the common prosperity of the world. “Recently, there are environmental challenges that have emerged like the invasion of locusts, the covid-19 global health challenge- incidences that have created more desire to be together,” she said.“Connected is a time to showcase efficient and effective technologies, products by delegates and event organisers having a feel of the services, by sponsoring the event to use the product and services,” observed Dr Getao.The NSE said they focused on building a digital economy. It is a great honour to be part of this forum that enables us to discuss about business digitization. We look forward to have more IT

By Mukami Njue and Naima Boru

companies participating.In her presentation, Eunice Kariuki, Director of Partnerships Innovation and capacity in the Authority said that the Connected Summit did not happen in 2019, because the of change of strategy. After a survey, she said the stakeholders expressed the need to use the forum as an information exchange forum and networking to meet high-end decision-making thought leadership to enhance a connected Kenya. This connected Breakfast stands out among many others. It is an industry driven retreat for us to share, discuss and come up with best practice, experiences across the private and public sector.This platform brings over 500 ICT thought leaders and experts under one roof to share their experiences, network and interact.The signature ICT event in the region that has grown from humble beginnings in 2009 to a sprawling annual gathering of key thought leaders and experts offering a high-level forum of renowned ICT experts from overseas and the region. It is the conversations that have happened during past Connected Kenya Summit, which has benefitted the sector. Ideas and contributions have informed government policy formulation towards an all- inclusive economic growth.Connected remains the singular National ICT Thought leadership forum. Through the participation of the diverse sectors of information Communication Technology and Innovation, investors can build confidence through the shared experiential sessions to build a resilient digital economy.Based on guidance from the Governmen, the Authority will communicate to all our esteemed stakeholders the future of the event.

17

Machakos University is living upto its billing as an institution of research and higher learning following the recent support it gave to two of its students, who have developed Electronic Voting (E-voting) system. The university which plays host to close to 10, 000 students appear to have only taken the first leap into the world of digital innovation.Two of students have developed an enhanced digital voting platform codified Intelligence Voting or simply I-voting.The two undergraduate ICT students Titus Kipkorir and Kevin Njoroge, with the help of their lecturer, Mr. Anthony Wambua have come up with a solution to the perennial complaints of justice during student elections. It is hoped that the I-voting system will lead to efficient, fast and transparent with results being transmitted in real time.Kipkorir says this idea was borne from, among other things, his passion for innovation which motivated him to do something new for the archaic and cumbersome manual voting system.“I linked with my friend Njoroge, with whom we worked on the idea and took it to our lecturer, Mr. Wambua and, together we have managed to build Intelligent Voting. This is purely an electronic system and we thank God for its success,” he says. Indeed, as Dr Alex Kamwaria, the Dean of Students told KNA, the system has not only expedited the process of voting but also addressed the problem of unrest that is synonymous with exit polls the world over.“The I-voting technology has helped a lot in dealing with riots that had been the order of the day in past elections. But with this technology, it is evident that the loopholes in the previous elections have been taken care of owing to its transparency and accuracy,” he told the press, moments after Alfred Ochieng’ together with his Deputy Miriam Mumo

Machakos University Embraces E-Voting

Munguti were elected as the students’ Chair- person and Deputy respectively, using the system.Dr. Kamwaria further says if the system becomes a success, they planned to sell the idea to other institutions and so commercialise it.The I-Voting consists of three tiers, whereby the first slot is for the election of the delegates who are supposed to be 30 in number. The delegates are usually elected by the student body. Usually three delegates are normally taken from the 10 schools of study in the university.And to ensure inclusivity and gender balance, one of the delegates among the three people picked must be a female in accordance to the Universities Amendment Act of 2016.Later, the delegates are the ones to elect the Students’ Governing Council including the president and his deputy.For one to participate in the entire process, he must be verified electronically through selected smart phones or at the central election command.Registration is usually through one’s admission number. After registration, the students are sent links through their e-mail address which they use to log in to the I-Voting server.From here, they choose the delegates they intend to vote for in accordance to the Electoral College (school of study) they are in. On the voting day, the details of the students are verified on an integrated electronic system before being allowed go ahead to vote.And just like any other voting process, there are Returning officers, Clerks and Agents from different aspirants who help to oversee the voting process.The delegates and students can also monitor the electoral process via a giant digital screen and finally get the results as they trickle in.

Titus Kipkurui (left) and Kelvin Njoroge follow the voting process during the just concluded students’ elections at the Machakos University on February 12, 2020. The duo is the brains behind the Intelligence Voting (I-Voting) that has transformed polls at the institution.

By Samuel Maina/Daniel Mandi/David Wanjala/Nelius Muthoni

18

If there is anything that has tested our nation’s technology capabilities, its COVID-19.

Fortunately, Kenya has, over the years, continued to invest and improve its technology infrastructure and capacity and it could not have come in handy at a time like now.

As the coronavirus spreads, so too are innovations to combat it. Not only is technology making life in quarantine more livable for millions of people, but it is also helping to fight the virus. In Kenya, technology has been useful in the following ways:

1. Phones:Kenyans have used their phones to reduce exposure. Some families are now using delivery apps for contactless delivery of items, whereby drivers drop food off at a specific point after a digital payment has been finalized. Mobile payment apps, such as M-pesa are reducing transmission along paper money, which can carry viruses for up to 17 days. Kenya is one of the countries with the highest penetration of e-wallets and mobile pay and so fintech is helping to slow the coronavirus spread.

2. The Infodemic:when Covid-19 began making headlines globally, false information also started to spread, the WHO labeled an ‘infodemic’. While technology has facilitated misinformation, it is also helping to curb it. Kenya’s government has deployed technology to point its citizens to *719# as the focal point of all official government information and so using it to inform and educate the citizens. In addition, a massive number of online medical experts and organizations such as universities and medical service providers are volunteering information and all support needed

Ways Technology is Helping To Fight the Coronavirus to battle the infodemic, urging everyone to “spread the word, not the virus.” For instance, sharing how to wear masks, and encouraging youth to share facts with the elderly and promoting social distancing. The ICT Authority through its digital platforms has continued to participate in the GoK messaging of #KomeshaKorona and # Stayhometosavelives

3. Business continuity:One of the directives given by the President is for non-essential service civil servants to work from home. Many civil servants are now working from home. Several tech companies are offering free online collaborative tools. Other businesses have quickly adopted work from home policies, using online meeting software, collaboration platforms and technology to clock in and ensure employees stay home. At ICTA, we have utilized teleconferencing and other virtual meeting Platforms to hold meetings and submit assignments.

4. Education and calming parents/children anxiety:

On 15th March, 2020, President Uhuru ordered closure of all schools and learning institutions. After weeks of schools being closed, possibly the biggest challenge for parents is keeping children occupied and continuing their schoolwork. To enable this, many Kenyan school communities are rolling out online learning platforms, where students take courses and teachers give lectures from home, via live streaming platforms.This is calming the nerves of many parents and children who are KCPE and KCSE candidates.The ICT Authority is in talks with other agencies such as the Ministry of Education to see how best the DLP digital devices can be used to support e-learning for children in the rural areas.

19

Presentation during a World Bank Webinair forum on COVID 19 April 9, 2020 where the Principal Secretary was expounding on Kenya’s Response to the COVID 19 Pandemic

The situation1. On March 11th, 2020, the World Health Organization declared the COVID-19 crisis a global pandemic when over 118,000 cases of the corona virus illness were reported in over 110 countries.

2. The Kenyan Government, through the Ministry of Health, then immediately responded by communicating all WHO guidelines to citizens using radio, television and Internet channels.

3. The President of Kenya, Uhuru Kenyatta set up the Kenya Country COVID-19 Task Force to advise him on managing all emerging situations/ risks and propose mitigation measures for his consideration

4. On 15th March 2020, the decision was taken that non-essential workers should work from home. This was announced through a broadcast Presidential address and was reported in the media.

5. Subsequently, the Ministry of Education made the decision to close all schools and universities to forestall the quick spread of the disease.

6. On Friday March 27th March 2020, the government effected a 30 –day curfew between 7 pm-5 am

7. On 6th April 2020, the government also enforced more containment measures where inhabitants of the four most affected counties, Nairobi, Kilifi, Mombasa and Kwale were prohibited from moving in and out of those counties for a period of 21 days.

8. The Government has also been identifying all known COVID-19 cases (the initial cases were all persons who had travelled into Kenya from a destination where COVID-19 was present) and vigorously tracing their contacts. Impact Like in other parts of the world, COVID-19 pandemic has had a wide-ranging, social and economic impact in Kenya, for example: 1. Education: the closure of schools and universities has affected the normal school year. In Kenya the educational calendar is packed, and education is one of the most important issues for most families. Families and communities have had to find ways to help the children learn in spite of the closures.

Jerome Ochieng, Principal Secretary, Ministry of Information, Communication, Technology and Youth

Affairs2. Work: it was clear that the President did not intend people to go on holiday. He wanted them to work from home. Methods had to be found where productivity could continue while most people were located in areas far away from their normal, physical, workspace.

3. Social distancing requires people to avoid places where they normally congregate in large numbers and these include shopping centres, markets, entertainment spots and places of worship. These are essential activities in the lives of Kenyans, and they needed to find an alternative way of accessing them.

The EnvironmentAlthough no Government anticipated such a fast- spreading and dangerous pandemic, the actions of the Government of Kenya in building a digital economy have provided a technology environment that has helped mitigate some of the impacts of the pandemic.

1. Since 2008, the Government has been developing a fibre optic network, the National Fibre Optic Backbone Infrastructure (NOFBI.) Currently NOFBI has over 9000 km of optic fibre, connecting all county and subcounty headquarters in Kenya.

All administration offices are connected to the subcounty level and receiving services. There is also a 24km ring connecting most Government buildings in the Central Business District and Upper Hill hub of Nairobi. A National ICT Infrastructure Master Plan has been drafted to help this network to extend further, to a total of 50,000 km by 2030. The Government has a data centre in Nairobi and has recently developed an additional one at the Konza Technolpolis.

2. There are vibrant 2G, 3G, and some 4G networks developed by the private sector. According to the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics, Kenya, more than 40% of Kenyans have a mobile phone, half of these being smartphones. SIM penetration stands at 114%. Kenya has a favourable policy environment for the telecommunications sector.

3. There is 14 GBPS of Internet bandwidth provisioned for use by the Kenyan public sector, while most Kenyans have access to private bandwidth sold by private sector actors, with Internet bundles retailing for sums as low as 10 US cents.

4. Many Government services can be accessed

20

through the e-Citizen e-Government portal and those that require face-to-face interaction or collection of physical documents are hosted at integrated Government service centres known as Huduma Centres.

5. With the growth of access to Internet and to smart devices, Kenyans are prolific users of social media platforms which they use to share information and opinions. At last count, there were more than 7 million Kenyans using social media platforms. They also search for information on the Internet and access Government and private websites.

6. Many Kenyans also regularly listen to radio and television broadcasts and read daily newspapers – many of which have alert services and various other subscription services which use text (SMS) messages to push information.

7. The creative sector has greatly benefitted from the growth in electronic media. Musicians and other creatives are quickly able to record, edit, produce and publish their creations using ICT technology, and to publish online. There are also a number of business models which enable them to earn a living through their creations.

8. Local and international internet platforms for taxi hailing, hotel booking, food takeaway services etc. also do very well in Kenya with a young population taking to the Gig economy like ducks to water!

Response1. The quickest and most vibrant technological response has come from the education sector, where teachers and learners are determined that the show must go on. Interventions include:a. The Ministry of Education has, through the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD), secured consent to have children’s educational content freely accessible for re- broadcast during watershed periods by Radio and TV stations in Kenya.

b.The Communications Authority has gazetted a policy to designate the KICD’s EDU TV Channel and Kenya Broadcasting Corporation’s Channel 1 as a Must Carry channel for all licensed DTT broadcase signal distribution and Pay TV platforms in Kenya. Children can thus freely watch a wide variety of relevant educational content on television.

c.Kenya Education and Research Network (KENET) has actively assisted lecturers from all universities to offer lectures online. They have also negotiated with local telco providers to discount their bundles by 67% for students accessing specific, whitelisted

education portals and websites.

d.More affluent parents in urban areas are quickly equipping their children with home devices to enable them to access e-learning resources online.

2. Public servants alongside other workers have quickly mastered teleconferencing platforms. Cisco through its Webex platform, and Microsoft through Microsoft Teams have both supported the Government by providing free licenses for a six month period. Many citizens are also using Zoom, Google Hangout Meeting, Go2Meeting as well as an open source platform customized by the KENET for use by its members.

Teleconferencing is being used for remote collaboration by medical professionals grappling with new realities (for example the Ministry of Health supported by Huawei teleconferenced with frontline Medical Researchers from Wuhan, alongside medical professionals from 20 countries to discuss approaches to mitigating the pandemic.)

Most Government departments are now holding their meetings through teleconferencing locally and internationally. A policy circular has recently been circulated relaxing the need for face to face meetings, and now even statutory board meetings can take place through this channel.

3. eCommerce is another sector that has grown since the inception of the pandemic. Many large supermarkets have enabled online shopping for groceries; restaurants have moved to takeaway service platforms thus enabling citizens to easily obtain private sector goods and services from home. The widespread use of mobile money in Kenya means that even people who do not have a bank account can pay their bills and pay for transactions without physical exchange of coins or paper money.

4. Churches and other religious gathering places have also taken to electronic space, offering live services during the normal hours of worship both through Internet channels and radio and television.

5. The widespread use of mobile phones is a godsend in these difficult times. The mobile phone is used to trace contacts of COVID 19-infected persons, both physically and through calling them. Relatives and friends are able to keep in touch with isolated loved ones. Those with smartphones are able to access social media platforms and the many applications that have been innovated to address various pandemic-related issues 6. Creatives have taken the opportunity to use

21

technology to help design, develop and distribute musical compositions, skits, cartoons, infomercials and multilingual help sheets around COVID-19 and widely disseminate them using social media platforms and the broadcast media.

7. One of the risks of the widespread use of social media is the quick spread of misinformation. The Government of Kenya Communications staff have formed a group that is quickly able to capture items and correct the misinformation. The Ministry of Health Website and the WHO website have become the go-to sources for clear and correct information about the pandemic.

22

ICT Authority Receives Interns From The Public Service Commission (PSC)

By Calvin Odhiambo.

The ICT Authority is among several state corporations that received interns from the Public Service Commission. The Authority received four interns who reported on Monday 13th January 2020 and were placed at the legal, finance and communications department. The new interns are excited to be at the Authority and here what they have to say:

Carolyn Mutuku is deployed at the legal department and is a Bachelors of law graduate from Kampala International University. Mutuku is confident that her deployment at ICT Authority will see her enhance her skills and experience.

“For the few weeks I have been at ICT Authority, I have no doubt this is the right place to hone my skills and gain vast experience in my field of study, the working environment is supportive and very conducive for one to learn and grow career wise”, Mutuku says.

Josphine Siwoy placed at the Finance Department, is a Bachelors of Business Management graduate from Moi University. Siwoy is happy to be at ICT Authority and expects to learn a lot on how public institutions operate after having got the opportunity to work in private sector.

”It is a privilege to have the opportunity to work in a government institution such as ICTA, since I graduated I have only had a chance to work in private institutions, I look forward to learning more on how government institutions work, “ says Siwoy.

Bismarck Lumumba serving at the Legal department is a bachelor of law graduate from Strathmore University, he is delight to be part of the interns who go an opportunity to be deployed at ICT Authority, he firmly believes that the opportunity will provide him a platform to network, hone his skills and impart him with knowledge and experience.

“I believe my twelve months stay at ICT Authority will highly contribute to my career growth and realization on my career goals, the working environment is conducive for learning and putting skills and knowledge into practice,” says Lumumba.

23

Naima Boru, stationed at the communications department, is a bachelor’s degree graduate in Language and Communication, from Nairobi University, she enjoys the friendly working environment at ICTA and has a staunch believe that she will gain vast experience, skills and knowledge that will enable her achieve her career goals.

“My experience at ICT Authority so far has been great so far, I am learning a lot working at the communications department. The environment is friendly and fast paced which to me is conducive enough to be able to get work done. What I love most about working here is that my supervisor is hands-on, provides guidance and supportive and everyone is always willing to help.” Boru says.

The interns were among the 2,400 who were successful to join the Public Service Internship Programme (PSIP) Cohort II intake and are expected to undertake the full time internship programme for a duration of 12 months, this will prepare them for the job market by exposing them to hands on experience at work.

A GoodbyeThe Communications Team would like to bid goodbye to our former Colleague Calvin Odhiambo who has left for another employment opportunity. Calvin, has been a great team player who has contributed immensely and we wish him well in his new station. From us:

Naima: For the short time I got to work with you, I am grateful. You taught me a lot in terms of work, without ever getting tired of giving and helping. Calvin I wish you the absolute best wherever you go in life.

Mukami: Calvin, thank you for being kind enough to share with us the spirit of giving, never giving up, growing, caring and above all, being humble because you are.

Mercy: It was always a pleasure working with you. We will always remember your utmost dedication and selflessness in the department. I wish you the very best that life has to offer Calvin.

Eliano: I will miss you Calvin

Lilian: Calvin is definitely a brilliant young man, very respectful and effective. He is going to grow in his career because he has the right mindset and set of values.

24

COUNTY STAFF S/NO Name County Designation

1 Otieno A. Tony Coast RICTO

2 Gloria Amati Nyanza RICTO

3 Scolastica Songony South Rift RICTO

4 Adan Mohamed N. Eastern RICTO

5 James Mburu Central RICTO

6 Leonard Kiplagat North Rift RICTO

7 Joseph Macharia Eastern RICTO

8 David Wasonga Western RICTO

9 Saida A. Wangui Mombasa ICTO

10 Mbaruku Wangai Taita Taveta ICTO

11 Ronnie Munga ICTO

12 Jediel Mutuma Kwale ICTO

13 Seif Ouma Jowi Kisumu ICTO

14 Geoffrey Odhiambo Migori ICTO

15 Levis Jwan Siaya ICTO

16 Benjamin Ogega Kisii ICTO

17 Paul Lila Saunyi Kajiado ICTO

18 Ronoline Cheruiyot Bomet ICTO

19 Florence Chelanga Baringo ICTO

20 William Adinda Laikipia ICTO

21 Lilian Some Nakuru ICTO

22 Cyrus Ngetich Narok ICTO

23 Jabir Omar Marsabit ICTO

24 Patrick Thotho Isiolo ICTO

25 Mercy Njoki Kirinyaga ICTO

COUNTY STAFF 26 Muigai John Kiambu ICTO27 Edwin Nyakondika Muranga ICTO28 Patrick Mbatia Nyandarua ICTO29 Ruth Kaiboi Nairobi ICTO30 Patrick Kwanya West Pokot ICTO

31 Hillary Kurgat Uasin Gishu ICTO

32 Jepkogei Lydia Elgeyo Marakwet ICTO33 Kibet Ronoh Trans Nzoia ICTO34 Lenges Karkel Samburu ICTO35 Martin Kathurima Meru ICTO36 Eric Erastus Embu ICTO37 Godfrey Maruta Tharaka Nithi ICTO

38 Ernest Cheboi Machakos ICTO39 Nicholas Nthenge Kitui ICTO40 Alex Muse Makueni ICTO

25

COUNTY STAFF

The 10 Commandments On The Use Of Digital Technology

1. Honour God and everyone when online

2. Put God first, people and living things second, internet third

3. Rest offline every day

4. Obey your parents when online

5. Use the Internet to help others and not to harm them

6. Don’t steal other people’s ideas or property online

7. Check online information with parents and teachers

8. Don’t use the Internet to bully others

9. Don’t use the Internet to spread lies

10. Avoid Internet content that messes up your mind or wastes your time.

(Authored by Dr. Katherine. Getao, EBS)

41 Collins Jensen Bungoma ICTO42 Edwin Kipkoech Busia ICTO43 Joan Mokeira Kakamega ICTO44 Michael Mulaku Tana River Acting ICTO45 Alex B. Majali Lamu Acting ICTO46 George Saitoti Tukiko Homa Bay Acting ICTO47 Orpher Nyaigoti Nyamira Acting ICTO48 Edith Chelangat Kericho Acting ICTO49 Mung’ori Elias Mukaria Garissa Acting ICTO50 Abdi mumin Wajir Acting ICTO51 Mustafa Mohammed Mandera Acting ICTO52 Elijah Wanjohi Nyeri Acting ICTO53 Rono Nicholas Kiprotich Vihiga Acting ICTO

54 Hillary BitokNandi North, Chesumei, NandiSouth Acting ICTO

55 Brian NgetichTurkana North,Turkana west, Loima, Kibish Acting ICTO

ICT AUTHORITY MANDATE

• Set and enforce ICT standards and guidelines for the human resource, in-frastructure, processes and system and technology for the public office and public service;

• Deploy and manage all ICT staff in the public service;

• Facilitate and regulate the design, implementation and use of ICTs in the public service;

• Promote ICT literacy and capacity;

• Facilitate optimal electronic, electron-ic form, electronic record and equip-ment use in public service;

• Promote e-Government services;

• Promote ICT Innovation and enter-prise; • Establish, develop and maintain se-cure

ICT infrastructure and systems;

• Supervise the design, development and implementation of critical ICT projects across the public service.

• Implement and manage the Kenya National Spatial Data Initiative

Vision Using ICT to transform lives

Mission To Champion and harness ICT for efficient

and e ffective public s ervice delivery, wealth c reation and well-be-ing of Kenyans

For Correspondence: Please visit our social media platforms and give use your feedback;

ICT Authority

@ICTAuthorityKE

ICT Authority

ICTAuthority

ICT Authority

ICT Authority Kenya

communications@ict.go.ke

www.icta.go.ke