Kenya gets a new Cabinet Secretary for Information, Communications, and the Digital Economy
Date: 2025-01-17
William Kabogo Gitau has officially assumed office as the Cabinet Secretary (CS) for the Ministry of Information, Communications, and the Digital Economy. His swearing-in ceremony, presided over by President William Ruto, was held at State House, Nairobi, following his confirmation by the National Assembly.
The former
Kiambu Governor steps into a critical role at a time when the ministry is
navigating significant challenges, including the need to foster innovation and
create an equitable digital economy. The docket has seen considerable turnover,
with Kabogo becoming the third Cabinet Secretary in less than two years,
succeeding Margaret Nyambura Ndungú.
During his
vetting process, Kabogo underscored his commitment to addressing the
exploitation of Kenyan workers by international corporations operating outside
the country’s labor laws. “If approved, I will ensure that Kenyans working
in the digital economy are safeguarded from exploitation. This will be achieved
through a comprehensive legislative framework,” Kabogo stated.
He pointed
to his transformative leadership in Kiambu County as evidence of his readiness
for the role. He highlighted key achievements during his tenure, including the
digitization of revenue collection systems, which led to a dramatic increase in
annual revenues from $6.2 million (KSH800 million) to $20.8 million (KSH2.7
billion) in just 14 months. Additionally, Kabogo oversaw the digitization of
health systems, enabling doctors to provide seamless treatment across county
hospitals.
As Cabinet
Secretary, Kabogo is tasked with overseeing crucial areas such as the
development of Kenya’s digital infrastructure and enhancing the eCitizen
platform for efficient service delivery. His appointment aligns with President
Ruto’s vision to strengthen Kenya’s digital economy and leverage technology as
a driver of economic growth and social development.
Kabogo’s
focus on safeguarding workers in the digital economy reflects the
administration’s broader commitment to creating a fair and inclusive
environment for all Kenyans. His legislative priorities aim to address
challenges such as labor exploitation while fostering innovation and growth in
the ICT sector.
In his
remarks during the swearing-in ceremony, Kabogo expressed gratitude for the
opportunity to serve and pledged to lead with transparency and dedication. “I
believe this is a good job for me as ICT and Digital Economy Minister,” he
noted, reiterating his intention to build on past successes and propel the
ministry into a new era of innovation and accountability.
By: Kanto Okanta
