Tag: ICTA

CISCO partners with ICTA in digital learning program

Computer Information System Company (CISCO) and the ICT Authority are expected to launch the novel Country Digital Acceleration (CDA) and Networking Academy Programme in Kenya.

The program aims to accelerate digitization across the country while at the same time empowering its citizens.

According to CISCO, it has invested over $180million and educated over 1.6 million students across the continent through its Networking Academies and pledged an additional $200 million over the next decade to train 3 million more students in digital skills and cybersecurity in Africa.

“Currently, 38,589 students join the program annually while a total of 133,881 students have been trained since the inception of the program, with a female representation of 29 pc.”

As it aims to onboard the government sector, universities and NGOs that target marginalized groups, the firm also said it has partnered with other organizations to offer Networking Academy courses which has received $18.7 million in resources since its inception.

The partners include Clean Start Kenya which empowers women impacted by criminal justice by training them on digital skills, The Klimanjaro Blind Trust Africa that supports the visually impaired and the Refushe Kenya which empowers refugees with digital skills accreditation.

Additionally, in its efforts to digitize the country, the tech company through its Sustainable and Secure Critical National Infrastructure pillar aims to identify projects that build and improve Kenya’s underlying digital infrastructure and foundational services.

“We intend to work with the government to identify projects in key areas such as the energy sector, healthcare, agriculture, national sports broadband connectivity, infrastructure and national cybersecurity,“ stated CISCO.

The event is slated for Friday at the University of Nairobi.

April 23, 2024
ICT Authority, Microsoft sign deal to transform digital economy

The government is targeting to adopt a cloud-first strategy in transforming public service delivery and improving efficiencies in the provision of e-government services.

Through a Memorandum of Understanding between ICT Authority and Microsoft, the strategy will enhance Kenya’s digital transformation and assist the government in achieving the Digital Economy Blueprint objective.

ICT and Digital Economy Principal Secretary, John Tanui said the partnership between ICTA and Microsoft will accelerate the country’s digital economy.

“As a country, we have laid the foundation for a conducive digital economy environment which requires stakeholders like you to use in developing our sector. So far, we have managed to digitize over 14,000 government services and this partnership is crucial in seeing more developing our digital economy,” he said.

ICT Authority Chief Executive Officer, Stanley Kamanguya said they will be able to contribute to development of digital skills, among other ICT pillars and ensure a thriving digital economy.

“I would like to thank Microsoft for this engagement which has come at the right time. We believe that towards the end of this partnership, we shall enhance our cyber security awareness, enhance our digital skills and develop key technology areas for a vibrant digital sector,” added Kamanguya.

Microsoft Country Manager Phyllis Migwi welcomed the partnership saying that they will work together with ICTA to promote the government’s agenda on the digital economy.

“As a leader in the tech space in Kenya, Microsoft is very glad to sign this MoU and for us, we are looking forward to see how we shall bring the full power of Microsoft services and products to the government for mutual benefit. Having operated in Kenya for over 20 years, we believe that this partnership will enhance the digital transformation agenda,” said Migwi.

November 22, 2023
ICT suppliers urged to ensure product compliance

The Information and Communication Technology Authority (ICTA) has called on suppliers in the sector from the county and National government to build their capacity and improve the standards of their products.

Speaking during an ICT workshop on Tuesday, ICT Authority CEO, Stanley Kamanguya called on suppliers to comply with the best market standards while offering services in view of giving the government value for money while also improving local products standards.

“We have been able to host 10 counties from this region and close to 200 ICT service providers who we are engaging with here today. The objective for us, first, is to sensitize them around the work that we do to develop ICT standards for people who want to do business with the government in various services,” said Kamanguya.

Stanley Kamanguya, CEO, ICT Authority (right) with Stanley Muchina, ICT Supplier from Afripipes (left) at the exhibition centre during the Forum for Accredited Government ICT Suppliers and Counties in Nakuru.

According to ICTA, it is imperative to align their businesses to the required ICT standards for better investment opportunities at both the national and county government.

“The suppliers also need to understand our accreditation framework and the value that they get in accreditation. In this way, we can create a system of trust between government institutions who consume the services and the ICT service providers” he added.

ICT Authority Ag. Director Programs & Standards, Thomas Odhiambo stressed the need to comply with the ICT Standards and highlighted that the Authority has developed 12 standards which will help in streamlining goods and services delivery.

“Our dedication to delivering the service will remain unwavering. As an Authority, we have developed 12 ICT standards and would like to urge the suppliers to work with us in ensuring compliance which is critical in driving our digital transformation.”

Teflax Technical Director, Ken Mbuvi commended the kind of engagements and urged other suppliers in the ICT sector to ensure compliance for the purpose of getting more business.

ICT Authority released its third review of the ICT Standards for governments which can be used by the suppliers to ensure compliance with required standards.

October 18, 2023
Govt. to partner with private firms in enhancing digital talent pool

Organizations eligible to conduct digital training to more than five million Kenyans across the country have been asked to submit their Expressions of Interests applications.

Through the Citizen Digital Skills Program by the Information, Communications and Technology Authority (ICTA) the government targets to expand the country’s digital skills pool in a bid to bridge the country’s digital divide and boost its digital economy.

According to the Information and Communications and Digital Economy Cabinet Secretary, Eliud Owalo the training which also aims to increase the utilization and uptake of e-services by citizens will be conducted by ICT training organizations from both the private and public sector.

“We want to partner with the private sector and go big on digital scaling, this is imperative because we must have critical or rather an adequate mass of digital skills in the Kenyan population to facilitate optimal uptake of the digital infrastructure that we are rolling out,” he said .

Owalo called out on organizations interested in conducting the training to come out in large numbers and apply

“We have already invited Expressions of Interests and we expect that the private sector players will soon be submitting theirs where we will evaluate and move to the contracting process,” added Owalo.

The ICT curricula will include, Foundation, Basic, Intermediate, Advanced Digital Skills and Public Sector workforce Digital Skills.
Interested organizations are expected to submit their Expression of Interest before October 2, 2023.

September 26, 2023