The value of increasing public sector skills in the age of AI
By leveraging digital tools and platforms, officials can streamline processes, increase efficiency, and enhance transparency in governance. This can lead to a more responsive and accountable government that meets the needs of its citizens effectively. Embracing digital transformation can also help in reducing bureaucratic red tape and improving access to public services for all Kenyans. Training and upskilling officials in technological solutions can empower them to make informed decisions and drive positive change in the country. Overall, investing in technology skills for officials can pave the way for a more inclusive and digitally-driven future for Kenya.
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Digital Transformation in Kenya's Public Sector
In an era where digital transformation is reshaping every facet of our lives, Kenya’s public sector stands at a critical juncture. As Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology has advanced and proliferated in recent years, the Kenyan government has grappled with harnessing these benefits while balancing citizen needs and fiscal constraints.
With the digital economy projected to contribute Sh662 billion to Kenya’s GDP by 2028, driven by policy reforms and infrastructure investments, the time for strategic action is now. While youth skilling initiatives dominate the conversation—particularly relevant given Africa’s youthful population—we must not overlook mid-career and ongoing skills development in the public sector.
State agencies form the backbone of our nation, and prioritising the enhancement of technology skills among public servants is essential if we hope to build a truly digital society. Developing public sector technology skills is at the heart of ensuring that government services are accessible, efficient and secure in the digital age.
Cybersecurity Challenges and Solutions
Increasingly, the Kenyan government is offering digital services that are available online to its citizens. For example, the integration of M-Pesa with Kenya Power has streamlined the process of paying electricity bills for customers, whether they are prepaid or postpaid customers. Technologically adept officials can better understand, implement, and manage digital initiatives, driving improved service delivery and innovation that benefits all Kenyans.
However, with the acceleration of digital transformation comes an increasingly risky cybersecurity landscape. Globally, cyberattacks on government infrastructure have escalated dramatically. According to various reports, there has been a significant increase in ransomware attacks, digital extortion, and other cyber threats targeting government institutions and critical infrastructure.
Between July 2022 and June 2023, the National Kenya Computer Incident Response Team Coordination Centre (National KE-CIRT/CC) detected over 855 million cyber threats targeting Kenyan critical information infrastructure. This places Kenya among the top three most targeted countries in the region, alongside South Africa and Nigeria.
Across Africa, there is a lack of confidence in the ability to respond to major cyber incidents, highlighting the urgent need for robust cybersecurity measures and skilled professionals to implement them.
The Role of AI and Public-Private Partnerships
Over the past few years, AI has completely changed the battleground for both cybercriminals and defenders. Public sector officials are at the front line of defending national infrastructure against cyber threats. Upskilling this group in cybersecurity technical skills is crucial—skilled officials can better identify, respond to, and mitigate cyber threats, bolstering the resilience of public infrastructure.
Public-private partnerships (PPPs) are invaluable in helping governments across Africa develop strong tech competencies within the public sector. In Kenya, the National Computer and Cybercrimes Coordination Committee (NC4) is coordinating national cybersecurity efforts to ensure timely and effective detection, prevention, and prosecution of computer misuse and cybercrimes.
The Public Service Commission (PSC) of Kenya has implemented several initiatives to develop cybersecurity skills among public servants, partnering with technology companies to drive citizen skilling and support AI and cybersecurity policy development.
Investing in Upskilling for a Digital Future
As Kenya strides confidently into the digital age, investing in the upskilling of public sector employees and fostering robust public-private partnerships is essential. By equipping our public servants with advanced technology and cybersecurity skills, we can fortify our digital infrastructure, safeguard national security, and build a resilient, innovative, and prosperous future for all.
The path forward requires collaboration between government, the private sector, and international partners. Together, we can unlock Kenya’s full potential, ensuring that our nation not only participates in but leads the global digital transformation while addressing our unique challenges and opportunities.
- The writer is the AI National Skills Director, Microsoft Africa