For the better part of this year, senior ICT strategists have been angling and positioning themselves for appointment at the newly created ICT Authority. In exercise of the powers under the State Corporations Act, the president directed that the new body will replace:

1. The Kenya ICT Board established in 2007

2. E-Government directorate established in 2004

3. Government Information Technology Services established in 2003

The decision to consolidate was taken after inefficiencies and shifting blame between the three bodies led to non-delivery of services. In-fighting and clashing of egos over who is more powerful than the other led to non-delivery of services.

The best part is that Information and Communication Cabinet Secretary has the powers to appoint the first CEO, without advertising for three years  but subsequent CEO posts will be advertised and vetted by the board.

Victor Kyalo, former ICT Board deputy CEO has been appointed acting CEO of the ICT Authority.

Functions

Among the functions stipulated, the ones that stand out are:

1. The Authority deploy and manage all ICT staff in public service- sharpen your CVs guys, heads must roll and that means jobs.

2. Facilitate and regulate design, implementation and use of ICTs in public service- this may mean that the Authority will have a say in all ICT tenders in ministries. Tenderprenuers must be aligning themselves

3. Facilitate development and maintenance of secure ICT infrastructure and systems. If government websites are hacked or systems penetrated, you know who to ask.

There are other functions that are in the legal notice, but they are the basic, expected ones.

In the functions, I wonder how the Authority will interact with KE-CIRT and the Universal Services Fund, both housed at CCK.

 

Board appointments

As per the practice, the Cabinet Secretary gets the powers to appoint six board members based on their experience in the ICT field. The Authority will have permanent representation from Infocom, treasury and the ministry of lands.

Appointments will be for a three year term with possibility one one three year extension.

The board will have co-opted members, with no voting powers.

The cabinet secretary will set the renumeration and allowances for the board.

The document goes ahead to lay down the duties and responsibilities of the board and the CEO but it fails to mention the politics that have nothing to do with qualifications or ability to do your job.

Whatever position you think to can serve our government in, please go ahead and apply, lobby etc…