Cabinet Secretary for Information, Communications and the Digital Economy William Kabogo has stepped up engagements with key players in Kenya’s technology sector as the Government seeks to accelerate digital transformation, strengthen digital public infrastructure and expand access to technology-driven services.
Mr Kabogo held separate discussions with representatives of Liquid Intelligent Technologies Kenya, IN Groupe and Secretary to the Cabinet Mercy Wanjau, with the meetings focusing on connectivity, digital identity, innovation, investment and the creation of a more inclusive digital economy.
The CS said his meeting with Liquid Intelligent Technologies Kenya officials provided an opportunity to explore ways of strengthening collaboration in support of Kenya’s digital transformation agenda.
He received Liquid Intelligent Technologies Kenya Vice-President and Chief Executive Officer Neeraj Pradhan and Regional Head of Government Affairs William Oungo for discussions on opportunities to deepen cooperation in the technology sector.
Mr Kabogo said the Government was keen to work with industry players to promote innovation, investment and connectivity while ensuring that the benefits of the digital economy reach more Kenyans.
The engagement comes as Kenya continues to position digital infrastructure and technology as key drivers of economic growth, job creation and improved delivery of public and private services.
The CS also received a delegation from IN Groupe led by Vice-President for Sales and Business Development, Government Programs, Celine Gouveia.
The discussions centred on strengthening Kenya’s digital identity ecosystem and developing secure, interoperable and citizen-centred digital government services.
A major focus was the development of a national digital identity authentication platform that would allow Kenyans to securely access government and private-sector services using a trusted digital identity.
Such a system is expected to reduce repeated verification processes and limit the need for citizens to repeatedly provide personal information when accessing different services.
Mr Kabogo stressed the importance of building public confidence in digital identity systems, noting that security, interoperability and protection of citizens’ information would be critical to their success.
He also called for better coordination of Kenya’s digital public infrastructure to prevent duplication of systems and ensure that investments in technology deliver maximum value.
While individual ministries, departments and agencies will continue managing their respective services, the Ministry of ICT and the Digital Economy should provide overarching coordination to ensure that government systems can communicate and work seamlessly together.
The CS further emphasised the need for value for money in ICT procurement, with decisions guided by lifecycle costs, interoperability and the adoption of proven technological solutions.
The Government, he said, would deepen technical and policy collaboration with industry partners towards establishing a trusted, secure and interoperable digital identity ecosystem.
Mr Kabogo also held talks with Secretary to the Cabinet Mercy Wanjau, who paid a courtesy call to the Ministry of Information, Communications and the Digital Economy.
Their discussions examined Kenya’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, including digital transformation, innovation, connectivity, digital public infrastructure and emerging technologies.
The two leaders also considered the policy environment required to enable Kenya’s digital economy to grow while ensuring that innovation and investment are supported.
Mr Kabogo said the Government remained committed to creating a level playing field for all players in the digital sector.
He said the environment should allow businesses to compete fairly, encourage investment and innovation, and ensure that every Kenyan has an opportunity to participate in and benefit from the digital economy.
The Government’s agenda, he said, includes strengthening digital infrastructure, expanding access and inclusion, supporting technology-based entrepreneurship and developing policies that encourage fair competition while protecting citizens’ interests.
The engagements underline the Ministry’s growing focus on building an integrated digital ecosystem in which government agencies, private-sector players and citizens can interact through secure, reliable and interoperable platforms.
For Kenya, the push for digital identity and coordinated digital infrastructure is also expected to reduce inefficiencies in service delivery, eliminate duplication of technology investments and make it easier for citizens to access essential services.
Mr Kabogo said continued engagement between Government and technology companies would be critical in translating Kenya’s digital ambitions into practical services, stronger connectivity and wider economic opportunities.
The CS pledged continued collaboration with industry stakeholders as the Government advances its digital transformation agenda and seeks to position technology at the centre of Kenya’s economic development.
