Lodwar – May 9, 2025 (Public Communication and Media Relations)

The County Government has received a proposed ICT policy that outlines a 15-year strategy (2025–2040) aimed at achieving full digital inclusion, with the goal of enhancing public participation and service delivery through digital platforms.

Acting County Secretary Joseph Nyang’a received the draft from Lead Consultant Lynus Ebenyo in the presence of Chief Officer for Economic Planning Samwel Ekale and Director of ICT and E-Governance Isaac Eregae.

CS Nyang’a stated that the document is part of the county’s commitment to address legal and policy gaps that have hindered the secure acquisition and sustainable use of ICT-based products and solutions in Turkana.

“The proposed ICT policy’s main objective is to ensure that the county’s acquisition, use, and disposal of ICT products comply with global, international, and locally approved standards,” said Nyang’a.

Chief Officer Ekale emphasized the county’s vision for deeper decentralization of digital infrastructure.

“As we align to this proposed policy, our priority will be to further decentralize ICT hubs to the ward and even village level, ensuring no one is left behind in this digital transformation,” Chief Officer Ekale said.

On his part, Director Eregae affirmed the directorate’s preparedness to operationalize the policy once it receives official approval.

“We are ready to implement the policy and have already started laying the groundwork in anticipation of its adoption,” said Eregae.

Consultant Ebenyo explained that the draft policy envisions a digitally connected county through the establishment and operationalization of ICT hubs at the ward level. He added that a comprehensive situational analysis conducted to inform the policy’s design identified the presence of high-capacity fibre optic cables and existing ICT hubs as critical enablers for accelerating digital adoption.

“If diligently implemented, this policy can unlock numerous opportunities for Turkana,” he said. “These include enabling access to digital jobs, fostering e-governance through e-participation, and delivering e-services to residents.”

The unveiling of the proposed policy comes as the county plans for its first ever annual ICT Week later this year, during which the public will engage with the document and contribute to shaping Turkana’s digital future.