ICT Standards - County Governments and Accredited ICT Suppliers Forum in Kisumu

THE INAUGURAL FORUM WITH ACCREDITED GOVERNMENT ICT SUPPLIERS AND COUNTY GOVERNMENTS IN BRIEF

The Ministry of ICT, Innovation and Youth Affairs, through the ICT Authority  on Thursday 30th June 2022 convened a sensitization forum that brought together participants from 34 County governments as well as accredited ICT suppliers and contractors which was officially launched by PS Jerome Ochieng at the Imperial Hotel, Kisumu County

The PS  said that accreditation is an initiative by the Ministry through the Authority to recognize and support government ICT suppliers and contractors in respective categories as per GoK ICT Standards of 2019.

PS Jerome also said that the Ministry will pitch Kenyan homegrown ICT driven solutions by our local ICT innovators and accredited suppliers at international platforms. He underscored government focus on capacity building especially on frontier technologies; machine learning, artificial intelligence, robotics, cryptocurrency among others so that we grow the country’s digital skills in line with the Kenya National Digital Master Plan (2022-32).

“The Ministry of ICT, Innovation and Youth Affairs developed the National ICT policy 2019 and laws that now regulate standards and services in the Information, Communication and Technology (ICT) sector. Through the ICT Authority, the Ministry has developed and administered ICT standards that are aimed at rationalizing and streamlining the management of all Government of Kenya ICT functions.”said PS Ochieng

The PS added that the accreditation of Government ICT Suppliers, Contractors and Service Providers by the ICT Authority is intended to ensure order in the implementation of ICT services in Government as well as built the capacity of firms to undertake outsourced work.

The PS also urged County governments to invest and promote the adoption of ICT whilst embracing the sharing of infrastructure and enterprise applications for efficiency and transparency.

Also speaking during this forum, ICT Authority, Ag. CEO Dr. Kipronoh Ronoh noted quality of ICT products and services has improved with introduction of accreditation. The CEO said that the Authority has continued to enforce ICT Standards and the outcome is improved public service delivery. The CEO also  urged industry players to be innovative and creative in order to compete globally adding that the Authority has plans to organize international expos for Kenyan  ICT innovators.

On his part, The Lake Region Economic Bloc CEO, Mr. Victor Ngagaya vouched for common markets and platform for enhancement of trade, and ICT will therefore play a central role. Mr Nyagaya also urged county governments to leverage on capabilities provided by ICTs for efficient and effective service delivery.

On his part, the Deputy Director ICT at Kisumu County lauded the ICT Authority for optic cable backbone infrastructure project that has greatly boosted internet connectivity nationally. He outline the Kisumu county’s plan to continue automating all their services that are  Mwananchi facing.

So far, the Authority has accredited over 600 ICT suppliers and contractors.

Also present was the ICT Authority Director for Shared Services Michael Odhiambo and the  Ag Director Programmes and Standards Thomas Odhiambo and other members of Management.