Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is key to the Kenyan government's socioeconomic development strategy. To achieve its ambitious goals, the country is enlisting the expertise of experienced professionals to guide its efforts.

On Monday, July 29, the Kenyan government announced the recruitment of 46 ICT directors who will be assigned to various ministries and state departments. These ICT leaders are expected to utilize their skills and expertise to create job opportunities for young, unemployed Kenyans.

The 46 engineers, appointed as part of an ongoing government reshuffle, will focus on enhancing service delivery to citizens and developing the digital economy.

"Their diverse expertise in Research and Digital Innovation, Software Development, E-commerce and Entrepreneurship, Cybersecurity, and Systems Audit and Control will be instrumental in advancing the Ministry's mission to build an informed and digitally empowered Kenyan society," said John Kipchumba Tanui, Principal Secretary of the State Department for ICT and Digital Economy.

This recruitment initiative is part of the Kenyan government's broader strategy to generate digital jobs for youth through the digital highway and creative economy, which are key components of the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA). This agenda serves as a crucial catalyst for other economic pillars, aiming to boost investments in sectors vital for economic growth and household well-being.

The newly appointed directors will work diligently to help the government achieve its ambitious digital objectives. Their contributions are expected to enhance administrative efficiency, improve public service delivery, strengthen digital infrastructure, and drive economic growth through digital transformation initiatives.

For the 2024/2025 fiscal year, the Kenyan executive has allocated approximately $125.3 million to ICT sector projects, marking a significant increase from the $108.4 million designated for the 2023/2024 fiscal year.

Samira Njoya