Kenya is advancing its digital transformation agenda following meetings this week involving government officials and key institutions.
John Tanui, principal secretary for the State Department for Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and the digital Economy, held a series of high-level strategic meetings with the stakeholders this week.
Under the auspices of strengthening innovation ecosystems and positioning the East African country as a globally competitive knowledge economy, Tanui met leaders of the Open University of Kenya, the Kenya Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), and the Konza Technopolis Development Authority (KTDA).
During the first engagement, Tanui met the management of the Open University of Kenya, led by Vice Chancellor Elijah Omwenga and Council Chair Ezra Maritim, on Tuesday.
Discussions focused on strengthening the university’s future as Kenya’s premier public digital university and expanding its role in delivering flexible, technology-driven higher education. The varsity has more than 30 000 students enrolled and is lauded for its contribution to democratising access to education through digital learning systems.
“The meeting explored ways of increasing enrolment, enhancing global reach, strengthening digital learning ecosystems, and developing industry-responsive academic programmes aligned with emerging market demands,” Tanui said.
He emphasised the importance of public-private partnerships and industry-linked learning pathways in expanding access to quality higher education.
“Borderless digital education models can help position Kenya as a regional and global talent hub for the digital economy,” he said.
Tanui also met the executive management team of KAIST following the institution’s recent award of a Presidential Charter.
Engagements focused on operationalising the institution as a world-class centre for advanced science, technology, research and innovation.
Located at Konza Technopolis, KAIST is expected to support Kenya’s economic transformation through talent development, research commercialisation, advanced manufacturing and emerging technologies.
Tanui also chaired a strategic meeting with the leadership of KTDA, led by CEO John Okwiri, following the presidential assent to the Technopolis Act.
The meeting focused on expanding KTDA’s mandate in smart city development, digital infrastructure, artificial intelligence, cloud technologies and innovation-led enterprise growth.
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