CS Kabogo Pushes for Government Digitization to Boost Efficiency, Fight Graft

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Nairobi, Kenya| Cabinet Secretary for the Ministry of Information, Communications, and The Digital Economy, William Kabogo, has reiterated his commitment to transforming government operations through full digitalization of manual records.

The ambitious initiative is aimed at enhancing service delivery, promoting transparency, and driving economic growth.

Speaking during a meeting with Heads of Departments and Divisions from the State Department of ICT, Kabogo underscored the urgency of adopting a “whole-of-government approach” to ensure the successful implementation of the digitalisation agenda.

He emphasized that the Ministry of ICT, being a critical enabler across all sectors, would play a leading and coordinating role in the process.

A Unified Digital Government Vision

Kabogo outlined the need for all ministries and government departments to digitize their manual records, automate backend processes, and integrate systems to create a unified digital ecosystem.

He highlighted that the current siloed approach to digitization had hindered progress in the past.

“Seeing that in the past ministries have been working in silos in the digitalisation process, as the ministry in charge of ICT, we are going to strictly follow the laid-down guidelines and coordinate the whole-of-government approach,” said Kabogo.

To fast-track the process, Kabogo announced a 90-day timeline for his ministry to transition to paperless communication, including letters, memos, and other forms of correspondence.

Fighting Corruption Through Transparency

One of the key objectives of the digitalisation drive is to curb corruption by promoting transparency in government operations.

Kabogo argued that making information readily available to the public and oversight bodies such as the Controller of Budget and the Auditor General would act as a deterrent to corruption.

“If you can digitize government services from A-Z, the Controller of Budget and Auditor General will be able to pick information from counties and the national government as it is happening. They will be able to compare expenditure plans with available budgets, which will help address the issue of pending bills,” he explained.

He also proposed introducing a reward system to recognize and celebrate individuals who excel in the fight against corruption within the ministry.

“As a ministry in charge of leading the digitization of government, we also want to lead in the fight against corruption. I am proposing a visible trophy for people who demonstrate a commitment to fighting corruption, so we can reward and encourage such efforts,” said Kabogo.

Lands Ministry Progress and Call for Full Migration

Highlighting progress made under the Ministry of Lands’ digitization programme, Kabogo revealed that Sh3.9 billion had been spent so far on digitizing records, including scanning documents.

However, he stressed the importance of full migration to a digital system to eliminate the creation of new physical records.

Transforming Governance for the Future

Kabogo’s vision is to leave a fully digitized government as a legacy, with streamlined processes that not only improve efficiency but also foster trust in government operations.

He believes that a digital government will create a more transparent and accountable public service, laying the foundation for sustained economic growth.

“We aim to create a government where services are accessible, efficient, and transparent. This is not just about technology; it’s about building trust, reducing inefficiencies, and ensuring that every shilling is accounted for,” he concluded.

The push for digitization underscores the government’s commitment to leveraging technology to enhance service delivery, fight corruption, and build a robust and efficient public service infrastructure.

As the Ministry of ICT takes the lead, the success of this initiative will require collaboration across all government agencies and a steadfast commitment to the digital transformation agenda.


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