County unveils ICT infrastructure projects

Counties have been urged to increase budgetary allocations towards Information Communication and Technology (ICT) infrastructure to reduce wastage of public funds.

ICT Permanent Secretary Joseph Tiampati was speaking at the launch of the county's ICT infrastructure, which includes a state of the art data centre, CCTV surveillance, tele-conferencing facility and automated health facility systems set up by Smoothtel Company.

"ICT is currently at the top of the 21st century infrastructural development list ranked next to roads and energy. Counties ought to be at the forefront of championing for more funding for this sector to help them achieve a digital economy," he said.

TECH-SAVVY MOVE

Mr Tiampati said the newly set up infrastructure would benefit locals and assist the county government's operations while enhancing service delivery.

The PS said his ministry would partner with other counties to ensure technological advancement was achieved, adding that there was need to share the available services across counties.

"ICT is not a devolved function but we are impressed by the number of counties that have taken the initiative to become tech savvy. We shall collaborate with the Council of Governors and all arms of the county government to ensure that services are enhanced," he said.

Tiampati further lauded the county for allocating 3.5 per cent of its resources to the ICT docket and called on other counties to follow suit, saying this was in line with the Jubilee manifesto.

Also speaking at the launch, Governor Jackson Mandago maintained that technological advancement would improve security in the region.

He was categorical that the CCTV installations in the town would help security personnel monitor movement and ensure that the region was safe, adding that this would attract investors and boost development.

"This technological advancement will give rise to the establishment of a security framework that will assist in maintaining law and order in the region and accountability with the public," he said.

Mr Mandago said more funding should be allocated to the ICT ministry in the next financial year before rolling out more programmes tailored for modernising the county.

LAY FOUNDATION

"Other counties should use ours to benchmark their technological plans in order to achieve their goals and objectives. As a county, we set aside Sh87 million for laying the foundation and we are optimistic that more will be channelled next year," he said.

Transition Authority Commissioner Simon Pkiyach challenged county governments to establish their own Huduma Centres where the public can access services.

He also called on county assemblies to enact legislations that make it possible for ICT to become a key pillar in the development of county governments.

"There is need for a policy shift towards e-government frameworks that make it possible for every ministry in the counties to become computerised," he said.