Uhuru Kenyatta has awarded ICT an independent ministry, in a further statement of the new Kenyan government’s outspoken commitment to technological advancement.
The Ministry of Information, Communication and Technology is one of 18 ministries unveiled, down from 44 during the last parliament.
ICT was previously overseen by the Ministry of Information and Communication.
The new government has already made pledges regarding a number of new projects, while the new ministry will also be charged with ongoing projects such as Konza Tech City and digital villages.
Uhuru Kenyatta has been vocal in his support of technology as a means of advancement, using his inauguration speech to suggest technology was central to Kenyan growth and pledging legislation for the sector during the opening of parliament.
There is no word as yet on who will run the ministry, but among those put forward as the likely candidates for the position include Bitange Ndemo, permanent secretary at the Ministry of of Information and Communication, outgoing Kenya ICT Board chief executive officer (CEO) Paul Kukubo and a host of young personalities who have made their name in the ruling Jubilee Coalition circles.
The Ministry of Education will host the Department of Science and Technology, to introduce innovation and science to young learners.
