PS ICT Eng. John Tanui Holds Strategic Engagements to Advance Kenya’s Digital Transformation Agenda

The Principal Secretary for the State Department for ICT and the Digital Economy, Eng. John Tanui, held a series of high-level strategic meetings aimed at advancing Kenya’s digital transformation agenda, strengthening innovation ecosystems, and positioning the country as a globally competitive knowledge economy. The engagements brought together leadership from The Open University of Kenya, Kenya Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, and Konza Technopolis Development Authority.

During the first engagement, the PS met the management of The Open University of Kenya led by Vice Chancellor Elijah Omwenga and Council Chair Ezra Maritim. Discussions focused on strengthening the university’s future as Kenya’s premier public digital university and expanding its role in delivering flexible, technology-driven higher education.

With more than 30,000 students enrolled, the university was recognized for its contribution to democratizing access to education through digital learning systems. The meeting explored ways of increasing enrollment, enhancing global reach, strengthening digital learning ecosystems, and developing industry-responsive academic programmes aligned to emerging market demands.

The PS emphasized the importance of public-private partnerships and industry-linked learning pathways in expanding access to quality higher education. He noted that borderless digital education models could help position Kenya as a regional and global talent hub for the digital economy.

In another engagement, Eng. Tanui met the executive management team of Kenya Advanced Institute of Science and Technology following the institution’s recent award of a Presidential Charter. Led by Acting Principal Jennifer Khamasi, the discussions focused on operationalizing the institution as a world-class centre for advanced science, technology, research, and innovation.

Located at Konza Technopolis, Kenya-AIST is expected to support Kenya’s economic transformation through talent development, research commercialization, advanced manufacturing, and emerging technologies. The institution is also expected to attract strategic investments, strengthen innovation ecosystems, and create globally competitive opportunities for Kenyan youth.

Later, the PS chaired a strategic meeting with the leadership of Konza Technopolis Development Authority led by CEO John Paul Okwiri following the Presidential assent to the Technopolis Act. The meeting focused on expanding KTDA’s mandate in smart city development, digital infrastructure, artificial intelligence, cloud technologies, and innovation-led enterprise growth, reaffirming the government’s commitment to leveraging technology and innovation for inclusive economic transformation and global competitiveness.