“We have forged linkages with counties to help them develop ICT master-plans in line with the central government’s directive to digitize public services,” Kenya ICT Authority said the Marketing Director, Eunice Kariuki said in Nairobi.
She spoke to Xinhua during the announcement of ConnectedKenya 2014 conference to be held in mid April in the coastal city of Mombasa.
The annual conference will be attended by senior policymakers, industry executives, academia and civil society to discuss contemporary themes in the ICT sector including cyber threats, e- government and data security.
Governors and County ICT ministers will attend the ConnectedKenya 2014 summit to highlight progress in digitization of public services at the grassroots.
Kariuki revealed that county chiefs will outline their ICT roadmaps to stakeholders in the April Summit. The Kenya ICT Authority has formed a Secretariat to help counties roll out a digitization program.
“We have prepared a strategy document that has been adopted by counties to enable them build ICT infrastructure. The strategy addresses salient issues including capacity, personnel, funding and public private sector partnerships to accelerate adoption of ICT in the counties,” said Kariuki.
She emphasized that information and communication technologies will transform service delivery at the county level.
“Counties must invest in innovative technologies to enhance delivery of critical services like health, education and water. The internet and mobile phones will foster healthy interactions between county leadership and citizens,” Kariuki said.
Kenyan counties are grappling with funding, infrastructural and personnel hiccups that have undermined digitization of crucial services.
Kariuki stressed that a structured ICT master-plan will enable counties raise funds from the private sector.
“Different sectors at the county level are competing for limited resources. We have started discussions with governors and the executive committee to help finance ICT development through alternative options,” said Kariuki.
The Kenya ICT Authority has encouraged county governments to foster public private partnerships in order to develop infrastructure that would accelerate a digital transition.
The Project Manager, Kenya ICT Authority, Andrew Lewela stressed that policy and legal incentives are critical to spur investments in modern technologies at the county level.
“Both the national and county governments can share best practices on development of ICT infrastructure and human resource. The private sector will not hesitate to invest in the ICT sector at the county level if they are assured of value money,” said Lewela.
---
Quelle/Source: Coastweek, 24.01.2014
Bitte besuchen Sie/Please visit:
