The Ministry of Information, Communications, and the Digital Economy, under the leadership of Cabinet Secretary William Kabogo Gitau, hosted the 2025 Digital Transformation Public Sector Forum and Awards (DTPS) on February 28th in Mombasa. The prestigious event recognized 21 winners for their groundbreaking contributions to digital transformation in the public sector, reaffirming Kenya’s commitment to leveraging technology for improved governance and service delivery.
In his keynote address, Hon. Kabogo praised the recipients for their innovation and dedication to enhancing public services through digital solutions. “Each nominee and award recipient has exemplified the spirit of transformation, demonstrating not just the capacity to embrace technology but also a deep commitment to improving the lives of citizens,” he stated. He emphasized that digital transformation is a collaborative effort involving government agencies, private sector partners, civil society, and academic institutions.
The CS urged stakeholders to continue fostering partnerships that break down silos and promote knowledge sharing to accelerate Kenya’s digital agenda.
The DTPS Forum provided a platform for over 400 delegates from public and private sectors to exchange ideas, showcase innovations, and discuss strategies for overcoming challenges in digitalization. Notable attendees included Principal Secretaries Salome Wairimu Muhia-Beacco (Correctional Services), Susan Mang’eni (MSMEs), James Muhati (Economic Planning), and Dr. Idris Dokota (Cabinet Affairs). Other key participants were ICT Authority CEO Stanley Kamanguya, ODPC Data Commissioner Immaculate Kassait, Greydale Africa CEO Lavinniah Muthoni Mwongera, and international partners such as Amazon Web Services and Intel.
The awards celebrated excellence across various sectors, including healthcare, education, agriculture, and citizen engagement. Winners were acknowledged for their innovative use of technology to address societal challenges and improve governance. Among the highlighted achievements were the establishment of 1,450 digital hubs in every ward and the deployment of 25,000 free public Wi-Fi hotspots nationwide. These initiatives have empowered citizens with access to online resources and training opportunities, fostering inclusivity and skill development in the digital age.
The event also underscored the role of international partnerships in driving Kenya’s digital transformation journey. Sponsors such as Amazon Web Services and Intel highlighted how technologies like cloud computing are enabling innovation and enhancing service delivery in government agencies. The forum further encouraged open discussions on critical issues such as data privacy and institutional capacity gaps to ensure a seamless transition toward a fully digitized government.
As Kenya continues its journey toward becoming a global leader in e-governance, events like DTPS serve as a testament to the nation’s dedication to harnessing technology for sustainable development. Hon. Kabogo called on all stakeholders to remain steadfast in their efforts to ensure that digital transformation benefits all Kenyans through inclusivity, transparency, and innovation.
James’ Bwire Kilonzo is a Media and Communication Practitioner.
