Kenya’s ICT Cabinet Secretary Appoints COVID-19 ICT Advisory Committee

Following Kenya’s government quest to facilitate containment of the spread of coronavirus in the country using information communication and technology, Joe Mucheru, Cabinet Secretary for ICT, Innovation and Youth Affairs has appointed a COVID-19 ICT Advisory Committee.

The Advisory Committee chaired by Mercy Wanjau, Ag. Director-General and Vice-Chaired by Peter Njonjo CEO and Co-Founder of Twiga Foods comprise renowned ICT industry players.

Among the appointees are Ory Okolloh Co-founder, Ushahidi and a current Non-Executive Director of Stanbic Bank, Dr Fernando Wangila Senior Deputy Director (Head of ICT and Innovation), National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA).

The other Advisory Committee members are Dr. Shikoh Gitau the former Head of Products at Alpha in Safaricom, Hilda Moraa Founder and CEO of Pezesha – a Fintech company, Dr. Joseph Sitienei, Head of National Strategic Programs at the Ministry of Health and Mahmoud Noor, Chairman Swahilipot, a tech hub based in Mombasa. Kevin Atibu is the Head of Innovation and Incubation at the ICT Authority.

According to the government’s Gazette Notice dated 21^st April, 2020, the Advisory Committee’s terms of reference ranges from developing and implementing a framework for identifying, supporting and scaling local ICT solutions that can support the country in its efforts to combat the Covid-19 pandemic effects to establishing an enabling environment that will stimulate economic development through ICTs.

According to the ICT Cabinet Secretary, the stimulation of economic development through ICTs will increase digital employment by supporting enterprises, workers, investments and skills development.

The ICT Advisory Committee’s terms of reference range from developing and implementing a framework for identifying, supporting and scaling local ICT solutions that can support the country in its efforts to combat the Covid-19 pandemic effects by establishing an enabling environment that will stimulate economic development through ICTs.

With an expectation to give guidance on how the government will support the National and County Emergency Response Committees on Covid-19 on any matters that may require intervention by ICTs, the Advisory Committee will co-ordinate innovators, academia, the private sector and well-wishers on the utilization of solutions that address the effects of the pandemic and beyond.

The Committee further mandated to examine the effects and impact of COVID-19 on the lives and socio-economic activities of Kenyans shall also advise on key ICT initiatives to respond to the pandemic, in order to mitigate the effects of pandemics on individual livelihoods, communities and the economy, with particular regard to scaling of local innovations and products.