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Tag: ICT CS Eliud Owalo

  • Plans underway to expand infrastructure around Lake Region

    Plans underway to expand infrastructure around Lake Region

    The Government is set to expand infrastructure around the Lake Region to aid full exploitation of the blue economy.

    Information Communication and the Digital Economy Cabinet Secretary Eliud Owalo says plans are at an advanced stage to construct a ring road around Lake Victoria as well as expansion of the Kisumu International Airport and smaller airships around the lake.

    This, as the government seeks to ensure easy transportation of goods from the Lake Victoria region and beyond.

    Owalo noted President William Ruto has demonstrated willingness to tap into the vast potential of blue economy in the region by sanctioning the construction of a multi-billion shillings fish research institute in Kabonyo Kanyakwali in Ahero Sub-County.

    He said roads and airports in the area will also be expanded to augment the railway in transportation of goods.

    Owalo also revealed that plans are almost complete to include private investors in the construction of the Koru Soin dam that is hailed as the silver bullet for floods and irrigation fed agriculture in the region.

    The CS spoke after attending Sunday Mass at St. Christina Kogola Catholic church in Nyakach Kisumu County.

  • CS Owalo calls for ownership of the Medium Term Plan

    CS Owalo calls for ownership of the Medium Term Plan

    Cabinet Secretary for information, Communications and Digital economy, Eliud Owalo has called on Kenyans to own the Medium Term Plan document for ease of implementation.

    According to Owalo, ownership of any development plan is a critical process which stakeholders have to embrace for it to be executed effectively.

    He was speaking at a Siaya hotel when he presided over the Siaya county dissemination forum for the Medium Term Plan (MTP IV).

    The CS called on the stakeholders to read and understand the contents of the MTP IV and be its advocates.

    Owalo called for close collaboration between the county and national governments for the country to realize its development goals.

    He, at the same time, announced that the government, through his ministry, will roll out 100,000 kilometres of fibre optic within the next two years as part of the strategy to take internet services closer to the public.

    The CS said that already, the government has mapped all areas where fibre services are to be rolled out, adding that it will leverage the existing Kenya Power infrastructure.

    “We are changing the model. As opposed to digging trenches to roll out fibre connectivity, we are leveraging the existing power lines” he said adding “the net effect is that everywhere with power line will have a fibre line”.

    Owalo said that his ministry has already signed a cooperation agreement with Kenya Power over the same and implementation of the exercise is expected to begin within a month.

    The dissemination forum was also attended by Siaya County Commissioner, Nobert Komora, county and national government officials and civil society representatives from Siaya.

  • Govt leveraging on technology to fight corruption-CS Owalo

    Govt leveraging on technology to fight corruption-CS Owalo

    The Government is committed to leveraging on digital technology to wipe out corruption among public servants who insist on bribes before rendering service to the citizens, ICT Cabinet Secretary Eliud Owalo has said.

    Owalo, who spoke at Bondo technical training institute and Gobei secondary school in Bondo Sub-County where he launched digital hubs, said that by availing services on e-citizen platform, the government was doing away with bottlenecks that middlemen and corrupt officials were exploiting to fleece the public.

    “We do not want unnecessary bottlenecks between Kenyans and the government” he said adding “maneno ya hongo tutazika kwenye kaburi la sahau.

    He said that so far, 16,972 services are available virtually, against 350 when the Kenya kwanza took over government.

    Owalo said it was the intention of the government to open up 1,450 digital hubs across the country, adding that initially, the government targeted Technical and Vocational Educational training centres (TVETs) and technical training institutes.

    “Moving forward, we want to move to the villages while working closely with the Members of Parliament who will set up digital hubs in the wards.

    The CS said that since the beginning of the programme, 390,000 youths have been trained while the government has helped create 139,000 digital jobs for the youths.

    He urged Kenyans to support the government deliver on its mandate.

    Bondo Member of Parliament, Gideon Ochanda hailed the government’s digital agenda and said that he, together with the area constituency development fund committee, was ready to surrender his office in Bondo town to be turned into a digital hub to enable the youths exploit the available digital jobs.

    Former Rarieda MP, Nicholas Gumbo challenged the youths to be active wealth creators, adding that days when people left colleges to look for jobs was gone.

  • African ICT Ministers call for unified action to bridge digital divide

    African ICT Ministers call for unified action to bridge digital divide

    African ICT Ministers convening at the ongoing Connected Africa Summit 2024, have called for a unified action to bridge the digital divide and propel the continent forward into a digitally empowered future.

    Speaking Monday during a ministerial round table at the summit happening in Uhuru Gardens, the leaders, drawn from across the continent gathered to confront one of the region’s most pressing challenges: the pervasive digital gap that hinders progress, particularly in rural areas.

    Ministry of Information, Communications and the Digital Economy Cabinet Secretary, Eliud Owalo, delivered a compelling keynote address, stressing the imperative for substantial investment in digital public infrastructure. “We must embrace AI and the Internet of Things to propel our continent forward,” Owalo asserted, underlining the need for a visionary leadership to navigate and regulate these transformative technologies.

    Echoing this sentiment, Hon. Michael Makuei Lueth, South Sudan’s ICT Minister, shared insights into the nation’s resilience amidst past conflicts. He outlined initiatives such as the Universal Service and Access Fund, which aims to ensure that connectivity becomes a fundamental right for all citizens, regardless of geographical location.

    Rwanda’s Ms. Paula Ingabire recounted a remarkable three-decade journey of digital expansion, culminating in near-universal internet coverage. She highlighted how digital governance has streamlined and enhanced public service delivery, bringing essential services directly into the homes of Rwandan citizens.

    Sierra Leone’s Hon Ms. Salima Monorma Bah offered valuable perspectives on innovative, affordable digital solutions tailored for lower-income groups. She also highlighted the impact of e-health strategies deployed during the Covid-19 pandemic, demonstrating the critical role of technology in addressing public health challenges.

    Throughout the day, representatives from Zimbabwe and other nations shared ambitious digital strategies aimed at accelerating progress. Initiatives such as the Smart Zimbabwe Masterplan and efforts to bolster AI and satellite connectivity underscored a shared commitment to not merely keep pace with global advancements but to lead in the digital era.

    Advocating for unity, COMESA Secretary General Chilese Mpundu Kapwepwe emphasized the need for collective action towards seamless and harmonized ICT regulations. “To reach our fullest potential, African nations must unite,” Kapwepwe urged, highlighting the strength found in collaborative effort.

    The international dimension of the Summit was underscored by remarks from the UK High Commissioner to Kenya, Neil Wigan, who discussed the UK’s role in supporting Africa’s digital growth. He expressed readiness to partner with innovative nations at the cutting edge of technology, including AI.

    The Connected Africa Summit 2024 aims to unite Africa ICT leaders and champion digital transformation towards attaining the AU agenda 2063 which envisions a digitally powered Africa.

  • ICT CS to host media breakfast on Connected Africa Summit 2024

    ICT CS to host media breakfast on Connected Africa Summit 2024

    ICT Cabinet Secretary Eliud Owalo will on Monday host all Media Editors to a breakfast briefing on the upcoming Connected Africa Summit 2024.

    The Connected Africa Summit 2024, which will be held at the iconic Uhuru Gardens in Nairobi from 21st to 25th April, 2024, serves as a strategic forum to chart a course towards a digitally-empowered and interconnected future for Africa, setting the stage for unprecedented growth and prosperity as well.

    It will bring together African Heads of State, Ministers of ICT, public sector representatives, private sector leaders, academia, foreign missions, development partners, sponsors, delegates and thought leaders to have a comprehensive and inclusive dialogue that reflects the diversity of Africa.

    The Summit underscores the country’s commitment to work together with other stakeholders from across the continent in accelerating digital connectivity.

    Leaders, stakeholders and tech partners will coalesce at this forum with the aim of unlocking investment opportunities, foster collaboration and exchange knowledge.

    Topics on the agenda will include the Future of Work, Cyber-security, Artificial Intelligence, emerging technologies and the growth of the Digital Economy.

    Kenya is proud to host this important Summit in line with the Government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), which has prioritized the Digital Superhighway and Creative Economy, with a specific focus on equipping the youth with digital skills for digitally-enabled jobs and digital entrepreneurship.

    The government commits to bridge the digital divide across the country and reduce the cost of doing business.

    The Ministry plays a critical role in delivery of the Government Core Priorities with the Digital Superhighway and Digitalization as the key thematic focus. Information, Communication and Technology (ICT) is an enabler across the Government through overall delivery of digital economy for sustainable economic development in Kenya.

    In addition, the Digital Superhighway plays a critical role in making tremendous achievement of the other four (4) pillars of the government agenda: Health, Agriculture, Affordable Housing, MSME and Financing, as well as enhancing revenue collection.

    Thus, the Ministry is connecting all government institutions, including schools and hospitals, onto reliable, high-speed super-fast Internet connectivity.

    It is worth noting the crucial role of digital infrastructure, which is essential for facilitating the Digital Superhighway, including the National Optic Fiber Backbone Infrastructure (NOFBI) project.

    Already six (6) submarine cables have landed at the Kenyan coast and another two (2) more are expected by 2025.

    The Ministry is laying 100,000 kilometers of fiber optic cable within the next 5 years, setting up of Digital Hubs in all 1,450 Wards – in collaboration with Technical and Vocational Education and Training institutions (TVETs) – and 25,000 free Public WIFI hotspots – with a particular emphasis on public spaces such as markets and bus termini – all aimed at providing the youth with access to digital skills, e-services, online job opportunities, supporting the digital economy and empowering Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises. Kenya is fast becoming a destination of choice for International Conferences.

  • KBC veterans to be documented in Kenya’s Year Book publication

    KBC veterans to be documented in Kenya’s Year Book publication

    Information, Communication and Digital Economy Cabinet Secretary Eliud Owalo has directed for the integration of Kenya Broadcasting Corporation veterans in the upcoming 2023 Kenya Year Book publication.

    Speaking during a breakfast meeting with the veteran journalists, CS Owalo said that the group deserves recognition adding that they have made great impacts in shaping not only the media industry but also the society.

    The meeting was organized by the ICT CS to discuss and address the plight of the retired veterans.

    Owalo made a directive for documentation of the veterans in the 2023 Year book editorial Board.

    The book’s mandate is to enhance Government communications and produce publications highlighting developments in all sectors.

    He also urged the veterans to offer mentorship programs to the upcoming journalists so as to help them navigate in the media space.

    Owalo also assured the icons of being acknowledged in the upcoming Jamhuri celebrations.

    Some of the veterans applauded the government for turning its attention to the group.

    The veterans will be holding annual meetings to evaluate media progress and help in shaping policies in the industry.

  • CS Owalo named Africa Digital Personality of the Year

    CS Owalo named Africa Digital Personality of the Year

    Information, Communications and Digital Economy Cabinet Secretary Eliud Owalo has been named Africa Digital Personality of the Year.

    Owalo was awarded during the 8th edition of the Africa Digital Economy Awards held in Nairobi Friday evening

    The continental awards recognize technological pacesetters in digitalization across all sectors, both at the individual and institutional levels. The awards tie in very well with Kenya’s Digital Economy Agenda.

    In attendance at the event were public sector officials drawn from African Governments and CEO’s of leading technological companies across Africa.

  • State to train tech-savvy youth to be country’s cyber security army

    State to train tech-savvy youth to be country’s cyber security army

    The Government is working with institutions of higher learning and other stakeholders in the ICT space to train tech-savvy youths to become the next generation of cyber security experts.

    Information, Communications, and The Digital Economy Cabinet Secretary Eliud Owalo said that they have stepped up collaboration efforts with the private sector in spearheading activities that are enhancing the country’s preparedness to confront emerging cyber security challenges.

    “We need a digital army so that our digital assets and resources can be safeguarded from those who do not mean good for business and the citizens,” said Owalo.

    He continued: “Digital transformation has taken place the world over and everybody must invest in cyber security, as a country we need to boost and bolster our national capabilities so that we can be able to deal with threats that arise from time to time,”.

    In a speech read on his behalf by the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) Ag. Director General Christopher Wambua during a cyber-security workshop in Nairobi on Tuesday, Owalo said that as we seek to be active participants in the global digital economy, our preparedness must encompass the practical realities in this space and cyber security is one of the areas we cannot afford to ignore.

    The CS highlighted that the government’s Bottom Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) has identified ICT as a key enabler to economic growth by catalyzing development in various spheres of the economy.

    He added that the digital superhighway agenda seeks to ensure that citizens exploit the full potential of ICT, particularly broadband so that an increasing majority of the people can interact in the digital space at speeds that have not been seen before.

    “With the digital landscape becoming the cornerstone of our economic growth, we must always ask ourselves how well prepared we are to tap into the anticipated benefits but also how to manage the challenges that come with such progress,” said Owalo.

    The CS explained that building a secure digital superhighway means the creation of an environment where citizens thrive and derive value from the immense possibilities that the digital age presents.

    “The digital economy presents immense opportunities for individuals to leverage their skills, generate income, and contribute to the overall development of our nation,” said Owalo, adding that this explains why the government is keen on enhancing access to broadband services through the deployment of 100,000 kilometers of fibre, the establishment of 25,000 Wi-Fi hotspots and 1,450 ICT hubs across the country.

    The CS said that these initiatives alongside others being executed by the CA through the Universal Service Fund (USF) seek to ensure that no one is left behind in the digital transformation journey.

    “Through the Jitume program, we continue to offer digital skills, e-services, and online opportunities to the youth throughout the country,” said Owalo.

    He explained that cyber security remains the bedrock of a secure digital economy and it is crucial to ensure that platforms and networks enabling access to e-government services, e-commerce as well as those connecting workers with employers are protected from cyber threats.

    According to Owalo, this can only be achieved through fostering an environment of trust and security by empowering individuals to embrace the digital space with confidence knowing that their data and other transactions are safeguarded.

    “The operationalization of the National Public Key Infrastructure (NPKI) and licensing of electronic certification providers has set the country on a path of a secure digital space and we need to consolidate our gains in this space and foster greater collaboration to achieve our goals,” said the CS.

    Huawei Vice President for East African Government Affairs Victor Guo said that 6,000 students signed up for the 2023 online boot camp and hackathon organized by the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA), Huawei, and the Kenya Cybersecurity Forensics Association.

    Guo said that these huge numbers are an indication that the youth are eager to learn more in the cyber security space.

    “I believe that today’s conference discussions about the skills needed in the cyber security space will enable us to identify the gaps and work together with the Kenyan government in efforts to address these gaps,” said Guo.

    He explained that they have a long-standing partnership with CA with a technical cooperation agreement in place.

  • Owalo: ICT reforms will create synergy, eliminate redundancies

    Owalo: ICT reforms will create synergy, eliminate redundancies

    The Ministry of Information, Communication and Digital Economy has embarked on a mission to make reforms in the sector policy-wise, legally and legislatively.

    Information Communication Technology Cabinet Secretary Eliud Owalo said there is a need to shun away from the laws that governed the Kenya Broadcasting Act, Kenya Information and Communication Act, and Postal Corporation of Kenya Act, all dating back to 25 years ago.

    “It is also significant that when these laws were enacted, the ICT function did not exist as one of the roles of the Ministry. Today, it not only exists, it is also a full-fledged State Department. It is a most important function, alongside the Digital Economy, as another component of the State Department for ICT and Digital Economy that did not exist 25 years ago, “he said.

    According to the CS, there have been changes in technology which have affected social interactions, the nature of work, education, finance, and business; among other aspects of life. This has presented new opportunities to players in all subsectors; be they telecommunications, broadcasting, courier services, and ICT generally, among others.

    Digital media and other avenues are fast changing the landscape but have come with challenges such as cyber insecurity, cybercrime and national security.

    The springing up of new technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), cryptocurrency and other digital assets need to be accommodated but are not sufficiently addressed in law and policy.

    “Given that technology is changing very rapidly, more changes are certainly bound to come.  In contemplating these changes, we must go beyond piecemeal and ad hoc reform interventions. The risk of inharmonious sets of laws is very real, in piecemeal and ad hoc situations,” he said.

    The teams that will chair the reforms include:

    1. Information, Communications and The Digital Economy Sectoral Reforms Working Group

    Prof Timothy Mwololo Mwaema as the chairman, Phylis Migwi as the vice chair and Dr Hanningtone Joel Gaya as the vice chairman responsible for Broadcasting and Telecommunication sectoral reforms.

    1. Strategic Theme/Key Result Area No. 1(ICT Sectoral Reforms.

    Prof Christopher Kipchumba Chepken, Marshal Luusa, Angela Wamola, and Col(Dr)James Kimuyu among others.

    1. Strategic Theme/Key Result Area No. 2(Broadcasting And Telecommunications Sectoral Reforms)

    Prof Dr Thomas AnyanjeSenaji, Thomas Mshindi Nyamancha, Zubeida Kananu, Prof Tom Olali and Eng Vincent Adul.

    Spearheading the Joint Secretariat will be Maina Christopher Karanja of the State Law Office, Dr Eric Kibet of the High Court and Dr Layla Latiff among other members.

    The mandate of the Ministry has expanded over time to include ICT and the Digital Economy hence the need to accommodate these roles in law and policy frameworks to ensure synergy and eliminate multiplication of roles and redundancies.

  • Nyanza leaders challenged to work in harmony for collected growth

    Nyanza leaders challenged to work in harmony for collected growth

    A section of leaders from Nyanza region have taken a swipe at Azimio allied leaders accusing them of insincerity in opposing the government.

    The leaders are urging the region to support the government to enhance development.

    The development comes after Cabinet Secretary of Information, Communication, and the Digital Economy Eliud Owalo was accompanied by several leaders from the region who pledged to work with the government for development of the region.

    Owalo noted that the Kenya Kwanza administration was committed to revitalizing the region’s economic growth.

    He, however, cautioned the regions politics was a stumbling block.

    The CS said the government had initiated numerous development projects in the region, calling on leaders to champion for progressive leadership.

    Other leaders who attended the church service took a swipe at those in the opposition accusing them of being insincere.

    They challenged those in the opposition to rethink the region’s political strategy for universal economic prosperity.