In recent years, Kenya has witnessed a transformative shift towards digital governance, with e-governance initiatives gaining momentum across various sectors. The adoption of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) in government processes has been propelled by Kenya’s ambitious national development agenda and its commitment to enhancing service delivery, transparency, and citizen engagement.
Further, the adoption of E-governance services has aimed to streamline administrative procedures, improve access to public services, and foster greater accountability and efficiency within the government. However, despite notable progress, challenges such as digital divide, cybersecurity threats, and institutional capacity gaps persist, underscoring the need for continued innovation and collaboration in advancing e-governance in Kenya.
It is against this backdrop that Strathmore University Business School and TalTech – Tallinn University of Technology, Estonia, partnered to host an E- Governance Conference in collaboration with the Estonian Centre for International Development (ESTDEV).
The event served as a dynamic platform bringing together, researchers, private sector players, and public sector stakeholders to delve into the challenges and opportunities surrounding e-governance in Kenya.
Day one of the conference was dedicated to refining the curriculum of the E-Governance Masters Programme which will be offered by the two universities and is set to begin later this year. This pivotal session saw stakeholders from both universities putting their heads together to share insights and perspectives, with the aim of shaping the Programme content to align with the evolving needs of the e-governance landscape in Kenya.
Days two and three were marked by a rich tapestry of presentations, case studies, and interactive panel discussions. Faculty members from both universities, along with key industry players from the private and public sectors, shared their expertise and experiences, fostering insightful discussions on various facets of e-governance.
Prof. Tanel Kerikmäe from TalTech, provided a critical examination of the implementation of public AI use cases in Estonia. Prof. Kerikmäe also explored the practical possibilities of AI policy for Kenya and Africa at large, igniting thoughtful discussions on the potential impact of AI technologies on governance and society.
Dr. Silvia Lips and Engel-Mari Mölder, also from TalTech, presented a compelling session on the future developments of e-Governance Technologies, offering a case study of the EU Digital Identity Wallet which they have been on the fore-front of . Their insights shed light on emerging trends and innovations in e-governance, inspiring attendees to envision the future of digital governance.
The conference also addressed pressing concerns surrounding cybersecurity in government operations. Markko Liutkevičius delved into the cybersecurity challenges that may arise during the transition of e-government services in Kenya, drawing from a poignant case study of an Estonian cyberattack from 2007. His session underscored the importance of robust cybersecurity measures in safeguarding government services and data integrity.
As the conference ended, participants reflected on the collaborative spirit and innovative ideas that had permeated the event. The conference served as a catalyst for knowledge exchange, collaboration, and forward-thinking dialogue, laying the groundwork for a more digitally empowered and inclusive governance landscape in Kenya.
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