(Naivasha) – The Kenyan government has successfully digitized 19,000 services since July last year as part of an ongoing effort to enhance service delivery and improve access to government services for citizens. The initiative is aimed at making public services more efficient and accessible through digital platforms.
Dr. Margaret Nyambura Ndung’u, the Cabinet Secretary for Information Communications Technology (ICT) and Digital Economy, announced this achievement during the eighth convention of the Kenya Association of Records Managers and Archivists (KARMA) held in Naivasha. The conference, themed “From Digitization to Digital,” brought together experts, policymakers, and other stakeholders in the digital transformation sector to discuss the transition from traditional records management to fully digital systems.
Dr. Ndung’u explained that the digital transformation effort is not just about technology but also about enhancing capacity for both users and government service providers. “E-Citizen, for example, requires both a front-end interface for the user and a back-end infrastructure for managing data and records,” she said, emphasizing the need to build capacity for both ends.
The ICT Ministry is collaborating with various stakeholders to ensure that digital services are not only accessible but also effective, transparent, and efficient. Dr. Ndung’u further emphasized that the government is working to ensure that digital access leads to better service delivery and greater transparency in public administration.
Addressing the ongoing transition from the National Insurance Fund (NHIF) to Social Health Insurance (SHIF), the Cabinet Secretary noted that efforts are underway to address connectivity challenges, which have caused some difficulties for citizens trying to access health services. Despite these challenges, she assured that the government is on track to provide last-mile digital connectivity across the country.
To further improve access to digital services, the government plans to establish 1,450 ICT hubs across all the country’s constituencies. These hubs will serve as centers for digital literacy training, film creation, and providing access to government services. The digital hubs will also provide high-speed internet access to communities that lack connectivity, with special emphasis on rural areas.
The government has allocated 3% of the National Government-Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF) for the development of these hubs, which will be key in supporting the digital literacy agenda and creating new economic opportunities through technology.
In line with this, Dr. Ndung’u highlighted the importance of a robust digital infrastructure, noting that 30 kilometers of the 10,000-kilometer fiber-optic network, part of the Digital Superhighway initiative, has already been completed. She explained that the initiative focuses on three main pillars: connectivity and access, skilling, and cybersecurity.
On the topic of cybersecurity, Dr. Ndung’u stressed the importance of educating young people on safe online practices. She pointed out the growing risks of cyberbullying and online exploitation, particularly for young girls, and emphasized the government’s commitment to safeguarding private data and protecting citizens from cybercrime.
Dr. Cleophas Ambira, a representative from KARMA, expressed strong support for the government’s digitization efforts and highlighted the challenges organizations face in adopting digital systems. He noted that while many organizations transitioned to electronic records during the COVID-19 pandemic, many still operate hybrid systems, combining both digital and manual processes. He called for greater harmonization to improve efficiency in digital record management.
He also pointed out challenges such as a lack of a clear policy framework, insufficient knowledge of the significance of record management, and the need for the right skills in technology.
The ongoing digitization initiative, according to Dr. Ndung’u, is a major step forward in enhancing Kenya’s digital infrastructure and empowering its citizens through better access to government services.