ICTA management keeps's up with guidance of the Executive Board
Michael Otieno Odhiambo is responsible for the Shared Services Directorate (Digital Services) that provides strategic technical functions to the ICT Authority’s operations overseeing guidance, implementation, monitoring and maintenance of government enterprise infrastructure, software and information security solutions within Ministries, Counties, Departments and Authorities under the ambit of the Ministry of ICT and Digital Economy on behalf of the Government of Kenya.
While at the ICT Authority, he has overseen the operationalization of the Network Operations Centre (NOC) for the management of the Government Network, actualized the One Government Network (OGN) network maintenance strategy that includes the management, maintenance and operation of the Government network and internet connectivity services, implementation of the National Public Key Infrastructure (NPKI), transition of the Government Digital Payments portal to Government, roll out of the public WiFi government priority project, last mile connectivity plan and implementation to the various Government entities.
Michael has an MBA in Strategic Management from the University of Nairobi and a BSc Information Systems from the United States International University, Performance Management certifications from the University of Nairobi, he also has professional management and technical qualifications which include expertise in strategy formulation, leadership, project management, telecommunications, ICT infrastructure management, Microsoft enterprise solutions, HP UX and IBM AIX among others. He is a member of the Computer Society of Kenya, ICT Association of Kenya and ISACA Kenya Chapter.
He has a wealth of experience spanning over 23 years in the ICT Industry both in private and public sector having worked in Computech Ltd, Safaricom PLC Ltd for ten years where he gained private sector experience as well as his previous posting at the Kenya Wildlife Service for ten years as the head of ICT and acting Deputy Director of Corporate Services and a Trustee of the Kenya Wildlife Service Pension Scheme where he attained a Trustee Development Program Certification (TDPK) and gained public sector management experience. Michael is passionate about process and self-sustaining structures within ICT environments, leadership and mentorship of young upcoming ICT talent.
Ms. Zilpher A. Owiti is the Director Partnerships, Innovation & Capacity at ICT Authority with effect from 9th February 2021. Until her appointment, she was the Ag. Director Partnership, Innovation and Capacity. She has served as Deputy Director ICT, Directorate of eGovernment, Presidency and Cabinet Affairs. Previously, Ms Owiti served as a lecturer at United States International University (USIU)& other public & private Universities, worked at the University of Nairobi and the Kenya National Examination Council.
She is a specialist in Learning & Development, Talent Development & Change & Performance management, Mentoring &Coaching and Organisation Development.
Director Owiti has over 22 years of dedicated exemplary public services, progressively serving at senior strategic positions in the ICT environment, held various leadership roles providing strategic direction for capacity development across programs, designing and implementing knowledge systems, public policies, strategies, standards & competency frameworks that place the individuals, institutions and country at the heart of development.
The Director is a Result Based Project champion accomplished in effecting capacity building reforms with an outstanding record of managing large public sector projects geared towards fulfilment of key national goals. Ms Owiti is the Program Manager & National coordinator for the Ajira Digital Program and is keen in empowering the youth with ICT skills for productivity, innovation and employment. She is also the founder Project Manager & National Coordinator for the Presidential Digital Talent Programme (PDTP) as well as a partnership relations and people-oriented strategist.
Director Owiti holds MSC, Information Systems from the University of Nairobi, MA, Economics and Post Graduate Diploma in Personnel Management; Certified Corporate Governance, Strategic leadership& change management and a practitioner in project management & IT service management (ITIL). She is also a member of the Institute of Directors (IOD) Kenya and Professional member of ISACA Kenya Chapter.
Thomas O. Odhiambo, OGW
Ag. Director, Programmes and Standards
Thomas is the Acting Director for Programmes & Standards at the ICT Authority. He is in charge of Enforcement and Compliance with ICT Standards and implementation of Critical National ICT Programmes and Projects.
He has been in the industry for more than 25 years and was previously the Deputy Director, at the Directorate of e-Government, Cabinet Affairs where he initiated the County Connectivity Programme and the framework for Automation Assessments, ICT Audits and ICT Strategies in Ministries, Departments, Counties and Agencies. He was also the Senior Assistant Director of ICT at the Office of the Prime Minister, and Head of ICT at the Department of Immigration where he led the development of the first Local Area Network in a government building (Nyayo House).
Among other coveted milestones, which Thomas has actualized during his on-going stint in public service ranges from leading a team that developed the first government website, implementing a biometric border control system - PISCES (Personal Identification Secure Comparison and Evaluation System), developing a Permits Information System as well as a Passports Information System. He was also the chief architect of the Integrated Population Registration System among other achievements.
Following Thomas’ passionate desire learn, he holds diverse industry certifications. These include the Certified Data Privacy Solutions Engineer (CDPSE), Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) and Prince II practitioner. He is a platinum member of good standing with the Information Systems, Audit and Control Association (ISACA), a distinguished member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics (IEEE) Computer Society, a member of the Internet Society and the Institute of Directors.
Thomas holds an MSc in Strategic Business and Information Systems from the University of Hertfordshire, a Master of Business Administration and a Post Graduate Diploma in Computer Science from the University of Nairobi. He holds a BSc in Physics from Moi University. He has attended the Strategic Leadership Development Programme at Kenya School of Government and advanced training in ICT Strategic Planning and legal frameworks, amongst others, in New Zealand, Malta, Sweden, China, Belgium, Dubai and India.
In recognition of his outstanding and distinguished service rendered to the nation, Thomas was in 2021, awarded the Order of the Golden Warrior (OGW) – a major honour by the Government of Kenya.
Philip Irode is a seasoned IT Security Specialist with over 13 years of experience in the IT Industry with expertise in Secure Converged Infrastructure Deployment and Cyber Forensics. He is a transformational Security Specialist leader with accomplished deliverables in CYBERSCURITY, Information Systems Security, Risk Management, and Business Continuity Program/Management (BCP/M).
He is Deputy Director in charge of the IS Department which is part of the wider Directorate of shared services. This is a strategic department charged with ensuring all related Cybersecurity threats and Information Security breaches, as well as risks, are addressed within the Government Agencies (MCDA's). The department is charged with ensuring Information Security and Cybersecurity controls and risk management for over 345 Government agencies and ministries. This involves securing the Government’s Core Central Network (GCCN), the Government Datacenters, Applications including Web and websites, and the Government International Gateways as well as the Government Core Fiber Optic Network (NOFBI) among other key Critical Infrastructure Installations and external phasing applications.
Philip holds an MSC. Degree Distributed Computing Technology where he majored in Cyber Forensics & Computing Systems Security from UON, BSc. In Computing & Information Systems from London Metropolitan University and a diploma in Projects Management from KIM. In addition, he has several certifications to his name in the field of Cybersecurity including; CGEIT- Certified In Governance of Enterprise IT, CISM- Certified Information Security Manager, CISA- Certified Information Systems Auditor, CRISC- Certified in Risk and Information Systems Controls, ITILv3 - Information Technology Infrastructure Library, CBCI - Certified Business Continuity Implementer and CDPSE – Certified Data Protection Solution Engineer.
He's an active member of ISACA where he serves as a Board committee member, ISC2, and the Institute of Business Continuity in the UK.
Mary Kerema was appointed Deputy Director Standards and Processes in February 2015 at ICT Authority and later Deputy Director, Systems and Applications. Prior to joining the Authority, Mary has 25 years’ experience as an ICT Specialist heading various ICT units and managing national ICT projects. She is an ICT leader who has consistently demonstrated the ability to implement ICT systems for efficient and effective service delivery.
Her achievements include: Overseeing the development, deployment and maintenance of the government enterprise systems such as National education management Integrated system (NEMIS); implementing the National Integrated Identity Management System (NIIMS-Huduma Namba); implementing the Electronic Government Procurement System (e-GPS); spearheading implementation of the Re-engineered Pension Management System; Development of ICT Masterplan, Strategic Plans, ICT Policies, standards and Procedures for the National Government; Coordination and management of ICT teams; Development of Vision2030 E-learning course; Overseeing and guiding the development of various systems for MCDAs; and availing them in the Huduma and eCitizen Platforms.
In recognition of her role as a pillar in development of ICT in Government and outstanding and distinguished service to the nation in various capacities she was in 2020 awarded Order of Grand Warrior of Kenya (OGW) by His Excellency the President.
Mary holds a Masters in Information Systems and a BSc. (Hons) Degree in information systems from the of University of Nairobi. She also holds a Graduate Diploma in Management of Information systems from IMIS. She has been recognized by The Global e-Schools and Communities Initiative (GESCI as an African leader in ICT and was awarded a graduate diploma; She is a PRINCE2 registered Practitioners. She is a member of the professional association for IS professionals (MIMIS).
Official Biodata for Lilian Jerotich Kimeto, MPRSK
Ms. Lilian Kimeto is currently the Deputy Director in charge of Communications at the ICT Authority with effect from 1st October 2017 to date.She is also the Access to Information Officer for the Authority.
Ms Kimeto is a Participatory Communication and Media Studies expert who is also a trained teacher.
She is spearheading efforts to see the ICT Authority integrate participatory communication and stakeholder engagement into its governance and strategic decision-making processes as well as the day-to-day running of the organization. Ms Kimeto is an expert in integrating communication into governance, strategic decisions and project implementation for improved outcomes.She carries out Communication audits and designs strategies and policies to mitigate the gaps identified.
She has designed and is implementing the Authority’s Communication Policy, Stakeholder Engagement Guidelines and the Public Complaints Handling Procedures.She has also developed Communication Plans to support the implementation of ongoing programmes and projects as defined and outlined in Legal Notice 183 of 2013, the Strategic Plan (2020-24) and . Kenya National Digital Master Plan (2022-32)
Those efforts have transformed the way the Authority is delivering its services to Kenyan citizens especially in the rural areas where the Authority is rolling out critical ICT infrastructure to bridge the digital divide and to bring every Kenyan online. Her efforts are also supporting the Authority’s efforts to offer digital services online and support citizens on increasing their digital skills.
Ms. Kimeto has also held other appointments in government such as Head of Public Communications at the Ministry of Housing where she spearheaded media campaigns to increase the visibility and understanding of the country’s Housing function. Four notable campaigns were: “Housing “the Nation, ” Housing Matters” and “A call to action for urban settlements” and a Communication Plan for the Kenya Slum Upgrading Programme
At the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution. Officer Lilian designed the Communication Strategy that saw the ODPP have its own distinct corporate identity and a Communication Department.
At the Ministry for Livestock & Fisheries Development Lilian designed the Communication Plan to support the Kenya Avian Flu Country Response Communication Plan to support the country’s preparedness Plans in 2005-06
Ms Kimeto also served as an Editor at the Kenya News Agency; Information Development and the Presidential Press Unit as a Media Research Officer.She has also taught English & Literature in several secondary schools in Kenya.
Among the key contributions to communication for the Public Service in Kenya is is conceptualizing the Ujenzi Magazine and designing the Communication Plan for the Kenya at 50 celebrations in 2013.
Ms. Kimeto has played a critical role in the Public Relations Society of Kenya where she currently serves as a member in the Audit Committee. She has provided thought leadership to professional colleagues and makes contribution’s through sharing of knowledge on Public Relations and Communication in general through her mentorship programme that targets building skills in young communication Practitioners.
Ms. Kimeto is a communications research expert who has published four papers in the area of participatory communication.
She holds a B.Ed (Hons) in Education (English & Literature) from Kenyatta University; a Post-Graduate Diploma in Mass Communication from the University of Nairobi and an MA in Communication from Daystar University.
Ms. Kimeto also has trained in Crisis Communication Management, Senior Leadership Development and is certified in Digital Marketing.
Kevin Atibu is the Deputy Director Innovation and Incubation at ICT Authority. He heads the department charged with crowd-sourcing viable ideas and start-ups that leverage on technology to address challenges in government and the public arena whilst creating employment for the youth. The viable innovations are then provided with technical assistance to grow and scale into commercially viable products and services.
Prior to joining ICT Authority, Kevin was the Technical Services Lead at Kenya Bankers Association, where he planned, managed and coordinated strategic projects for the banking industry, including the implementation and management of an innovation framework for the banking industry through which fin-tech ideas were harnessed and incubated. Kevin was instrumental in the design and implementation of an inter-bank payment switch (Pesalink), the first in East Africa, through which bank customers can conduct real-time electronic money transfers.
Kevin has over 16 years of technical and management experience having worked at reputable companies including NCBA bank, Stanbic bank and Kenya Airways where he supported the organizations leverage technology to provide their customers with cutting-edge products and services. He has vast hands-on experience in the deployment of transformational technologies cutting across multiple functions within an organization. Kevin also served in the government’s National COVID-19 ICT Advisory which coordinated ICT specific responses to the effects of the pandemic. He was also a member Kenya Digital Economy Strategy Task Force.
He graduated with honors in Management Information Systems from Daystar University and holds a master’s degree in Project management and Planning from the University of Nairobi. Kevin is a certified Business Analyst from The George Washington University and is PRINCE 2 certified. He also has various professional certifications in the areas of emerging technologies, payment systems, innovation management, Startup support and strategic leadership.
Kevin is fervent about youth development and is a mentor to young technology talent.
Mr. Patrick Masika Has extensive experience in Internal Auditing in the public sector spurning 18 years. He has worked with several public sector organizations including the National Treasury, National Housing Corporation, Railway Training Institute, Kenya Accreditation Service and the ICT Authority.
He holds a Master’s Degree in Finance from the University of Nairobi and a Bachelor’s degree in Commerce, accounting option from Kenyatta University. Mr. Patrick Masika is a Certified Public Accountant of Kenya (CPAK), a Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) with the Institute of Internal Auditors in the USA and a Certified Enterprise Risk Management Professional by the Institute of Risk Management in the United Kingdom.
As the Deputy Director and Head of Internal Audit at the Information Communication and Technology Authority (ICT Authority) of Kenya where he is currently based, Mr. Masika is charged with overall leadership of the Internal Audit department.
Mr. Masika has an interest in good corporate Governance, internal auditing and risk management. He horned his skills over the years working in the Public Sector. As a member of an appointed committee of twenty internal auditors, he participated in the introduction of risk based internal auditing in the public service while working at the National Treasury in 2006. He has since presided over internal audit departments at the Railway Training Institute (RTI), Kenya Accreditation Service (KENAS) and currently the ICT Authority.
Ms. Pauline Wamuyu Kimotho is an advocate of the High Court of Kenya with 14 years post admission experience.
She is a specialist in Telecommunication Law, Contract Law, Commercial Law, Employment and Labor relations Law, Public Sector Law, Compliance and general corporate governance practices.
She holds a Master’s Degree in Commercial Law from the University of Cape Town South Africa, a Bachelor’s degree in Law from the University of Nairobi Kenya and a Diploma in Law from the Kenya School of Law. She is also a Certified Public Accountant and a Certified Public Secretary.
As the Head of Legal and Secretary to the Board at the Information Communication and Technology Authority (Authority) of Kenya where she is currently based, Ms. Kimotho is charged with developing the Authority’s policies on intellectual property, data protection, conflict of interest, access to information and any other issues of interest and concern to the Authority. Ms. Kimotho also advises the Authority on emerging legal issues that affect the operations of the Authority.
Ms. Kimotho’s has an interest in policy development. She has horned her skills further over the years she has worked in the Public Sector. She has participated in Policy and Law development in the Telecommunications Sector, having worked on the development of the Kenya Information and Communication Act Regulations of 2010, while working at the Communications Authority of Kenya and currently as a member of the Taskforce on review of the Kenya Information and Communication Act, 1998. Ms. Kimotho is also a fellow of the 2020 Women in Cyber Fellowship awarded by the Foreign Commonwealth Development Office and has participated in the proceedings of the UN Open-ended Working Group on Security of and in the use of Information and Communications Technologies 2021–2025.
© 2023 Copyright ICT Authority. All Rights Reserved.