NEWSLetter

THE ICT AUTHORITY NEWSLETTER

October 2019 issue

October 2019 Issue

ENABLING CONNECTIVITYThrough NOFBI and County

Connectivity Project we are enabling access to information

ENABLING SERVICESEasy, convenient and efficient access to

government services by the citizenry

PARTNESHIP FOR GROWTHCollaborating with local and

international stakeholders for ICT adoption and use

ENFORCING STANDARDSTo ensure alignment and consistency

of government ICT plans and processes at all levels

The ICT Authority is a State Corporation under the Kenya State Corporations Act 446

CONTENT1. Table of Content

2. Editor’s Note

3. CEO’s State of the Brand Message

4. ICT Authority Wins best government stand at The Kitale Agricultural Show

5. Revamping the Authority’s Website

6. A Digital talent programme Intern’s Online Beads Trading System.

7. Safeguarding Intellectual Property

8. Answering the question what E-Waste is

9. ICT Authority participates in Start-up weekend Dedan Kimathi University.

10. A peep into The Mentorship of The Presidential Digital Talent Programme

11. Public Complaints Committee Pays Courtesy Visit to the Ombudsman

12. Quarter one of the Fiscal year a bit slow due to a Moratorium on expenditure.

13. Use of Technology to enable tax collection on digital space.

14. Performance Contracting Cycle

15- 24. Pictorials

25 - 26. County Staff & The 10 commandments on the use of Digital Technology

27. The ICT Authority Mandate

The ICT AuthorityTeleposta Towers 12th Floor, Kenyatta AvenuePO Box 27150 - 00100 Nairobi KenyaTel: +254 20 2089061www.icta.go.ke

Editor: Lilian Kimeto

Writers: Musa Kurian Esther Muthoni Calvin Odhiambo Mercy Kipkemei Adoyo Obaje Mukami Njue

Graphic Designer: Abraham Masai

EDITORIAL TEAM

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ICT Authority ICT Authority ICT Authority

ICTAuthority ICT Authority Kenya@ICTAuthorityKE

communications@ict.go.ke

PLEASE VISIT OUR SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS AND GIVE USE YOUR FEEDBACK;

www.icta.go.ke

FOR CORRESPONDENCE:

EDITOR’s NOTEOnce again ,I welcome you all to the October edition of the ICT Authority

Newsletter. The entire communications Team is particularly thankful to Phil-

ip Irode, Alex Njihia, Joshua Opondo and Simon Saitoti for the invaluable

feedback that will go a long way in improving the newsletter.

We encourage our field staff to share the newsletter with all our stakehold-

ers countrywide.

I now welcome all our readers to enjoy.

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October has been a great month for Kenyans. Two things happened in the athletics sector and we also celebrated Mashujaa Day on

20th October 2019 in celebrations led by the Head of State.

Eliud Kipchoge, the Marathon World Record holder took part in a marathon run financed by a British pharmaceutical company INEOS dubbed the IN-EOS challenge 1:59:59. At the end of the race Kip-choge on 12th October 2019, he run and clocked 1:59:40:02. He cemented his message “ No human is limited”.

This slogan was quickly proved across the Atlan-tic in less than 24 hours when Brigid Kosgey broke the Women Marathon World record that has been held for the last 16 years by British marathoner Pau-la Radcliffe. The two athletes brought joy to many Kenyans and we sang along as our national anthem reverberated in Vienna and New York. Our flag, the country’s top brand was beamed to over 1 billion

viewers across the globe.

During Mashujaa Day HE President Uhuru Kenyatta reminded us to be selfless as we serve the citizens of this nation and that is how we will all become Mashujaa.

What this means for us at the ICT Authority is that it is very much possible to deliver our mandate to grow the ICT sector, enforce ICT Standards and deliver ICT Infrastructure programmes/ projects to support efficient service delivery for Kenyans.

It is possible for us to meet our targets in this year’s PC and for all of us to improve our performance. We can mobilise the resources needed to implement all the projects identified the Strategic Plan. We can and we will build a value -driven organization that puts the interests of Mwananchi first.In this issue of the Newsletter we have highlighted the Performance Contract and I urge all Officer to familiarize themselves, through their HODs on the PC 2019/20.

I hope you will all be encouraged and inspired as you read this newsletter.

CEO’s State of the Brand Message

Dr. Katherine Getao, EBS ICT Authority CEO

The ICT Authority won the best govern-ment stand in the just concluded Kitale Agricultural show themed “Promoting

Innovation and Technology in Agriculture and Trade.”

The Trans Nzoia County Commissioner, Mr Sam Ojwang commended the ICT Authori-ty’s for the critical role in promoting technol-ogy and innovation. He lauded the Authority for implementing programmes that are trans-forming lives especially in the remote parts of the country such as facilitating access to government services at the Huduma Centres countrywide.

“We are happy about the services of the Authority is offering and about its critical role in promoting technology and innovation,” said Commissioner Ojwang.

Representing the Authority four offi-cers: Leonard, Daniel, Michael Litu and Nelson showcased the National Fibre Optic Back-bone Infrastructure (NOFBI) and The Digital Learning Programme (DLP).These are major programmes that are increasing the country’s ease of doing business and building the digi-tal skills required to build the digital economy. Through DLP and NOFBI we are pro-moting the use of technology in learning and teaching as well as using technology to bring all Kenyans online. The National Optic Fibre Backbone (NOFBI) is a project aimed at ensuring con-nectivity in all the 47 counties of Kenya. The implementation of this project aims to ease communication across counties as well as improve government service delivery to the citizens.

By Mercy Kipkemei

ICT Authority Wins best government stand at The Kitale Agricultural Show

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ICT Authority stand at the Kitale ASK that took place from 18th October 2019. (Photo: Courtesy)

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Revamping the Authority’s Website

By Calvin Odhiambo

The CEO, Dr. Katherine Getao has set up a Website Management Committee to review all of the Authority’s the digital platforms with the view of making them more interactive and platforms to engage with the citizens we serve.

In the Era of Fake news, the institution is auditing all its social media handles and online platforms, to stem out alien sites and social media channels which may be misused to propa-gate adverse information about the Authority.

“Our website is our shop window. New Media is now helping organizations continuous-ly interacting and engaging with the citizens, harvesting feedback and educating them on the authority’s mandate and projects being implemented by the Authority,” says Dr. Getao.

The Committee members drawn from every department have been tasked to not only review all the digital platforms but also develop guidelines for online content management. The Committee that is chaired by the Chief Executive Officer has until December 2019 to com-plete the exercise with revamped digital platforms.

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A Digital talent programme Intern’s Online Beads Trading System.

By Adoyo Obaje

At only 22, Esther Winnie, a Diploma in In-formation Communication and Technology (ICT) is already strutting both worlds of

education and motherhood. She is a proud mother of her and smiles into every new day and the opportunities it comes with it.

Last year, when the application for the Presidential Digital Talent Programme (PDTP) was advertised, Esther took note and applied. For sure she was successful and was given an oppor-tunity to intern in a very prestigious internship programme which is currently interning the fourth Cohort IV. Esther hopes the 12 month-training will transform her life in preparing for a robust career into the future.

“I took the bold step to apply and I be-lieved that I would qualify. I come from the remot-est area of Samburu county. My greatest motiva-tion was to gain more ICT skills. I hope I will get an opportunity to work in government and make my contribution in providing excellent service de-livery to Kenyans. I also seek to use my ICT skills, in future, in ways that can positively impact the lives of people from community ” says Winnie, who graduated two years ago from Laikipia University, Nyahururu Campus.

It is clear that Winnie has the desire for ser-vice delivery in ICT which is her area of expertise. She is currently attached at the Ministry of Mining and Petroleum. At her workstation, she has worked with her peers and have some innovations they are developing.

“The Digitalent programme is an opportu-nity and a privilege that has enabled me to come up with two innovations that I presented to a panel of judges” Winnie added. The innovations are (a) ICT Future Local Empowerment and (b)an Online Beads Trading System. These two systems are still under devel-opment and I really do hope that I will use them in future to offer a solution.

Through the Digitalent programme, Winnie has undertaken trainings such as HCNA, Internet Society (introduction to network operations: UNIX/ LINUX, NETWORKING AND DNS.

“I expect to learn, train and become a competent. My objectives are to be a result- ori-ented person who is able to set and meet goals. My focus is to work in a dynamic and challenging environment and contribute to client satisfaction by ensuring first contact resolution where possi-ble as well as providing quality services through teamwork,” she says.

Winnie has overcome the odds, as a girl in an Arid and Semi Arid (ASAL) county to become an innovator who now has two innovations under her name.

In conclusion, Winnie says”Please tell President Uhuru Kenyatta that I am truly to him for initiating the Digitalent Programme which is help-ing us the young ICT practitioners like her to gain hands-on skills.”

Training

Mentorship

Success Employment or becoming self employed

Presidential Digital Talent Programme

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Safeguarding Intellectual PropertyBy Esther Muthoni

The ICT Authority is working on a frame-work to enhance the proper manage-ment of its intellectual property and the

intellectual property of its stakeholders. This will go a long way in promoting technologi-cal innovations which is one of the Authority’s core functions. The Authority is in the process of drafting an Intellectual Property Policy to guide the Authority’s management, employ-ees, independent contractors, and interns. It will also guide the development, manage-ment, ownership, and marketing of the intel-lectual property.

This Policy comes at a time when there is need to ensure that discoveries, innova-tions, as well as other copyrightable and creative works with the potential to be put into practical use, being developed by the Authority’s employees within the scope of their job descriptions or through utilizing by any person, of the Authority’s resources such as equipment, facilities, and funds. Similarly, the Authority may benefit from the use of the intellectual property rights of others.

Currently, there are challenges of equi-table ways and means of distributing rewards to different stakeholders concerning innova-tions created. It is in light of these realities that the Authority wants to show its commitment to basic principles and proper management of intellectual property, especially on equitable distribution of benefits arising from innova- tions created.

The Intellectual Property Policy intends to en- courage the development of innovations and inventions for the best interest of the pub-lic, innovator, ICTA, and all stakeholders. The poli- cy further seeks to ensure that benefits arising from such innovations are equitably shared to the innovator, ICTA, to the public, partners, and sponsors, and any other parties involved in the creation of the work.

Objectives of the ICT Authority Intellec-tual Property Policy includes; protecting the in- tellectual property rights of the Authority, its innovators and inventors. The policy also proposes to eliminate infringements, abuse and improper exploitations of the Authority’s intellectual property assets.

Additionally, the guiding principle is to pro- mote technological innovations and cre-ativity within the Authority and beyond. And, promoting linkages for industry through utiliz-ing novel technologies and creative works for purposes of commercialization. In another aspect, the document rec-ommends to a framework that ensures fair and equitable distribution of resources accruing from all innovations or inventions activities. This will also make the Authority in its en-gagement with key and strategic stakehold-ers, to be in line with applicable National Laws and Regulations relating to Intellectual Prop-

erty Rights.

(Esther is a Digitalent Intern)

It is lunch hour, most of my colleagues have gone for the lunch break and am all alone in the empty office. Looking around the open

-plan office something goes through my mind. all devices the devices I see here will become e-waste in a few months or years. I can spot thir-teen laptops, one television, three landline phones, two printers, two routers and a lot of cables criss-crossing the office area.

E-waste is a term used to define electrical and electronic equipment that

has reached its end of life. They range from large household appliances such as refrigerators to small appliances such as the wall cloak. Telecom-munication and IT equipment, lighting equipment such as lamps and bulbs, toys and sports equip-ment, medical devices and batteries, these are some of the items that once deemed unusable by the consumer become electronic waste.

Electronic devices are made up of more than 500 components. When burnt in the open fields as is mostly the norm, toxic Polyvinyl Chlo-ride (PVC) plastics and heavy metals such as lead, cadmium and mercury are released into the envi-ronment causing significant damage on the health of individuals and that of the environment. These metals have been proven to cause growth retarda-tion in fetuses and children, infertility in women and different types of cancer since they are car-cinogenic. The chemicals also have a very long life and tend to persist in the environment and their effects can be felt generation after generation. A report by the United Nations estimates that 50 Million tonnes of e-waste was generated in 2018 and the world will be producing 120 million tonnes of e-waste yearly by 2050. Kenya currently generates 44000 tonnes of e-waste annually and this will increase due to the rapid growth of Infor-mation, Communication and Technology (ICT).

Kenya has ratified some conventions that control the transboundary movement of hazard-ous waste. Basel convention, Bamako convention, Stockholm convention, Maputo protocol and the Agenda 2063 all promote e-waste management.

National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA) and Ministry of ICT have played a criti-cal role in coming up with policies in regards to e-waste. NEMA formulated the National E-Waste guidelines in 2010 that aim to promote awareness on different types of e-waste, disposal procedures and treatment technologies. The National ICT policy requires electrical and electronic dealers to ensure they have mea-sures to minimize environmental effect caused by their goods before their licenses are renewed. The Public Procurement and Disposal Act also states that government institutions should give compet-itive tenders of e-waste collection and disposal to licensed e-waste dealers. However, these policies are yet to be properly implemented because the country lacks a proper regulatory framework for recycling and managing electronic waste. ICT Authority strategic plan (2013-2018) acknowledges that the laptop initiative that seeks to promote digital literacy will increase e-waste generation therefore, there is need to implement a carefully thought e-waste strategy.

ICT Authority can help in the management of e-waste by formulating its own e-waste manage-ment plan that will be in compliance with Environ-mental Management and Coordination Act (EMCA 1999) and the NEMA e-waste guidelines. The au-thority can ensure that all electric and electronic devices they purchase are from dealers who have been registered and given an annual compliance certificate by NEMA. Through public and private partnerships, The ICT Authority can also offer tenders for collection and disposal of e-waste to e-waste recycling facilities that have an Environ-mental Impact Assessment (EIA) license.

ICT Authority through partnerships with NEMA and the Ministry of Environment and Forest-ry can educate the public on safe e-waste disposal measures . They can provide schools, hospitals, organizations and communities with information of all the e-waste collection points that are around the country. They could also have days or weeks they can set aside to collect e-waste from the pub-lic and deliver it to e-waste recycling

Answering the question what E-Waste isBy Nyiha Mbachia

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ICT Authority participates in Start-up weekend Dedan Kimathi University.By Kurian Musa

The ICT Authority recently took part in judg-ing at an innovation competition organised by the Dedan Kimathi University of Technol-

ogy (DeKUT) during which an enterprise dubbed Mac Cookies emerged the winner. Jacqulene Macharia and Hellen Kirui represented the Au-thority in the judging panel.

In a letter to the Authority, the Vice Chan-cellor Professor Engineer Ndirangu Kioni called for a partnership between the Authority and his university in efforts to enhance science and Tech-nology owing to ICTA’s vision to develop digital skills and facilitate the growth of ICT innovation in Kenya.

In her response to the Prof. Kioni’s request, the ICT Authority, CEO Dr. Katherine Getao said she looks forward to linking viable start-ups to investors within the partners and stakeholders of the Authority. She applauded the efforts of Dedan Kimathi University of Technology (DeKUT) through its various programs to utilize technology in the development of innovations and Kenyan start- up companies.

“This is in line with the ICT Authority man-date of promoting ICT innovations and enterpris- es,” said Dr. Getao.

The three -day event which took place from 27th to 29th September 2019 is the beginning of opportu-nities between the two institutions exploring a long-term partnership in developing a framework for identifying innovations and nur-turing them into viable start-up companies.

This winners of this year’s compe-tition was won by students drawn from Dedan Kimathi University, Chuka University, Kirinyaga Uni-versity and Karatina University. Their Collaborations and team-work Saw them win.

The two institutions will be forging to develop a framework for

identifying innovations, nurturing, and building capacity through quality education, creation of an environment for research, innovation and technol-ogy.

Out of 53 ideas pitched, 14 were selected and the students from different universities re-grouped together to advance the selected ideas to the final presentations. This was to promote and build an innovation ecosystem that can help inno-vators to scale up.

The judges took account of many fac-tors. The students from various universities were pulled together to form pools to support the ideas that made it to the finals.

While judging, Ms Macharia said: “The whole idea of pulling resources together to sup-port a single viable idea through a sustainable busi- ness model that can be taken to the market is very important.”

Most ideas pitched, needed coaching from in- ception.“It was tough for entrants, some need- ed guidance on pitching, turning around their ideas into innovations that can be presented for judging,” said Hellen Kirui.

Hellen Kirui ,Partnerships Officer at ICT Authority in a Selfie photo with Univesirty Students during the start-up Weekend at Dedan Kimathi University (Photo: Courtesy)

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A peep into The Mentorship of The Presidential Digital Talent Programme By Adoyo Obaje

The Presidential Digital Talent Programme (PDTP) is one of the most unique internship for young fresh graduates as its anchored on mentorship.

Tonya Nyakeya, a mentor in the programme, says the mode engagement with the interns is very organic.

“Each mentorship plan is tailored to suit the individual to ensure best results. It entails getting to know the individual and their specific needs and creating a

channel or vehicle in which to support the achievement of the set-out goals,” says Tonya.

Tonya has engaged in mentoring PDTPs since 2015 when the programme was initiated.

“The programme good. It will succeed level both government and private sector collaborate. I challenge the Digitalent stakeholders to continue growing this initiative which will see Kenya churn out high trained ICT professionals” she says.

The ICT Authority CEO says that through PDTP, she hopes that the govern-ment a pool of digital skills to support the realization of the big four namely Manu-facturing, Food security, Universal healthcare and Affordable Housing.

The programme is a Public Private sector Partnership that is why private sector mentees like Tonya are involved. Both Public and private sector mentees sup-port the interns grow in their networking, corporate governance and social skills.

Mentor

A wise and trusted guide advisor

Serve as a techer or trusted counsellor

Public Complaints Committee Pays Courtesy Visit to the Ombudsman

By the communications team

The Authority’s Public Complaints & Access to Information Committee this month paid a visit to the Commission on Administrative

Justice for a training on the public complaints & access to information procedures.

The training was aimed at getting members to understand the criteria for reporting the com-plaints handled on a quarterly basis. Public com-plaints handling enables an institution to self-audit its systems and work ethic environments.

In line with the 2019/20 FY Performance Contract the CEO tasked the Committee to file quarterly reports and also develop an internal public complaints and access to information system. This will enable us receive and process public complaints with and about us.

The Authority is dedicated to becoming a listening and responsive organization and use feedback from citizens to inform the review of sys-tems, human resource management and in the de-livery of her programmes and projects. Last week, the committee set out to meet the Ombudsman for an orientation to

The Authority’s team was received by the CAJ, Head of Communications, Ms. Phoebe Nadu-poi who said asked agencies to handle efficiently, in dignity and respect for the Constitution of Ken-ya.

The October 9 visit the Commission of Administration of Justice (CAJ) enlightened com-mittee members with Ombudsman’s guidelines

and the legal requirements set by the Public Watch dog. “We usually recommend names of indi-viduals and institutions to the Presidency. Those recommended for handling public complaints ef-fectively are taken seriously and gets recognition,” said Nadupoi.

The CAJ officers pointed out that Officers across state agencies need to be trained and so build their capacity in dealing with Public Com-plaints. The CAJ officers said that their institution can offer technical capacity in developing a re-sponsive Public complaints policy and mechanism for the Authority, for effective reporting.

The CAJ Planning Officer , Mohammed Adan said that most institutions fail to give quar-terly reports as required in the performance contracting for lack of information on how they should do it. We are happy that you want to do the right process to give correct reports in a timely manner.”

ICT Authority management is very keen on strengthening its Public complaints and resolution mechanisms and submit all reports required by the CAJ in a timely, accurate and evidence based manner.

Some of the Public Complaints Committee when they paid a courtesy call to the Ombudsman Office.

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Public Complaints Committee Members on a visit to the Ombudsman.

2019/20 Fiscal year starts in earnest

By Kurian Musa

The implementation financial year 2019/20 has started in earnest and the 2020/2021 Budget Pro-cess cycle has also begun. According to the Finance & Accounting Manager, Oliver Pyoko, it is important for various depart-ments to start submitting their requests. The cycle involves departments sector working groups to start meeting for bidding for resources for that FY. “We expect to have a good case for funding the 2020/2021 budget proposals,” says Pyoko adding that departments ought to draw the estimates from previous periods but with achievement of work plans in mind. Mr. Pyoko also pointed out that all government agencies have been advised to pay attention to the Austerity Measures by government ,the Investment Policy, Finance policy as well as the procedures Manual “We need to live within our means due to budget cuts that have been effected,” said Pyoko.

The Finance Manager said that the ICT Authority is in the process of developing two crucial pol-icies to guide the operations of the finance department. They are the Investment Policy, Finance policy and Procedures Manual. The Investment policy is aimed at guiding the commercialization of various projects and programmes within the Authority.

The investment policy will guide the process of commercializing projects such as the Nation-al Fibre Optic Backbone Infrastructure (NOFBI). The project is in its Phase 2E of implementation. This phase includes among others the setting up of WI-FI internet facilities in the government offices in all the 47 counties in the country.

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Technology to enable tax collection on the digital space.By Calvin Odhiambo, Njue Mukami & Mercy Chepkemei

This comes at a time the Kenya Revenue is seeking way to enforce tax compliance on businesses operating through

digital platforms and online payment systems. The delegates asked whether the Tax collector had models it has proposed to enforce tax on digital platforms. Fielding the question, Ms Mercy Ndegwa, Regional Head of Public Policy, Facebook explained that it is a debate the giant social media platform is interested. Automating tax collection system will lead to Increased revenue online because the fu-ture of work is online and ensuring that the digital space does not become a tax haven. The ICT Authority Chief Executive Officer, Dr Kath-erine Getao observed that during the Annual the fifth annual tax summit themed tax simplification and digitization for eco-nomic transformation that was held at KICC on 16th October 2019. Dr. Katherine Getao acknowledged that with the fast changing technology majority of businesses have shifted their activities to online platforms not only to widen their market or ease way of operating but also to evade tax paying consider-ing it would be difficult to trace income generated from online transactions. She observed that technology can be used to sim-plify collection of taxes from revenue generated from digital platforms emphasized on the need of making use of techno-logical resources to ensure maximum collection of levies. “Technology is the problem and technology is also the answer. Technology can deal with very complex tax re-gimes and make it simple”, she said. Integration of technology into tax collection has the capability of making the process of tax remittance effective and effcient and is likely to yield an increase in gross amount of tax collected.This can result into a fall in amount of tax citizens pay, this is because individuals pay high taxes because only a few from the total number of expected tax payers pay the taxes making it impossible for the taxman to collect the amount targeted, but with an effective automated tax collection system in place the amount expected to be collected from taxpayers is likely to be achieved simply because of the possibility of an exact number of people expected to pay taxes for the system will make it possible to track their respective records. “The reason we are paying high taxes is because too few of us are paying taxes owing to the fact that many busi-ness are shifting to digital space thus making it a tall order to

trace their income for purposes of taxation ”, she explained. The future of taxation in the digital economy “Col-lection of taxes will be a challenge in the digital economy as compared to now when people are employed in formal sectors. People in the formal sector are subjected to a simpli-fied tax regime through Pay As You Earn (PAYE), unlike online businesses,” said Dr. Katherine Getao the CEO ICT Authority. The CEO spoke of the need to come up with a mech-anism that will aid tax collection from online entrepreneurs as a means to encourage sovereignty and jurisdictions. However, as we grow into a digital economy, there are challenges the government will face such as: citizens demanding more services, quality services and range of services; citizens may be less loyal to the government when it comes to tax collection; collection of tax will be challenge since trade is occurring in a challenging-digital- space as well as less people will be interested in the formal employ-ment. There was a general consensus among the panelists of the 5th annual tax Summit that there is need ensure that the cost of doing business does not go high so that this does not discourage innovation and investors in the ICT Sector. This is very critical in transforming the economy into a digital one Dr. Getao said, noting that formal employ-ment is shrinking although it makes it simpler for the Tax col-lector to get the revenue as they are streamlined with aspects like Pay as You Earn (PAYE).She called for models to apply taxation fairly on the digital platforms since the future of work is online. Eng. Daniel Obam, Communication Secretary in the Ministry of ICT said there is a need for a digital strategy, and policy for data protection and framework for information sharing among stakeholders operating business online to al-low a seamless engagement within the law in the application of taxation. The Internet may create a barrier to entry to enforce tax compliance. It emerged that it is dificult to apply fairly taxation on a digital platform for example on cryptocurrency; like bitcoins, block chain systems, and more practical tech-nological reasons making it hard to apply fairly taxation on digital space.As Facebook Regional Head of Policy,Mercy Ndegwa notes,her employer is very interested in the online tax debate adding that facebook has a presence in over 200 countries globally.

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A group photo of panelists on policy perspective to taxation of the digital economy. From Left to Right is FCPA Phillip Muema (Moderator), Dr Alexander Ezenagu (Senior Fellow Tax Equity, IBP Washington D.C) , Dr Katherine Getao, EBS (CEO, ICT Authority) , Mr Maurice Oray , KRA Deputy Commissioner on Corporate policy, Eng. Daniel Obam (Communication Secretary, Ministry of ICT Kenya), and Ms. Mercy Ndegwa ( Regional head of Public Policy, facebook) (Photo: Kurian Musa)

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Understading the Performance Contracting CycleBy Njue Mukami The government of Kenya introduced Perfor-mance Contracting(PC) to guide productivity in all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) .The PC is being implemented to ensure clarity and standard-ization of services. The Performance Contract is a formal state-ment of commitment to performance that is made to the appointing authority and the public at large by an employee. The Performance contract is anchored on MTP III, relevant Sector Performance Standards, SDGs, Stra-tegic Plan, MDA’s priority indicators and other national development priorities. The Performance indicators are set to comprehensively address the mandates of MDAs and are aligned to the budgetary allocations.Perfor-mance targets are growth-oriented and output-based As an Authority we have already signed our 2019/20 PC with our parent Ministry and all Depart-ments are now implementing the different targets. The reviewing of performance contract Guide-lines is spearheaded by Public Service Performance Management Unit, through a consultative forum with the MDAs and stakeholders. The consultation is meant to incorporate emerging issues and factor lessons learnt with a view to improve the PC process. MDAs are also required to consult with institu-tions that may affect achievement of the performance targets, are required to create a common understanding of the scope of their operations, core business, financial and human resources, emerging issues and other fac-tors that may affect performance. This phase also seeks a consensus on the nature and level of commitments and obligations of one MDA to the other. During the negotiation of performance targets, Agencies ensure that performance indicators and tar-gets are in line with priorities set by the government for each MDA and in line with their mandate. The perfor-mance targets are similarly aligned to Medium Term Plan (MTP) III, Sustainable Development Goals, relevant Sector Performance Standards and the approved bud-get estimates for the financial year. The negotiated performance contract is then presented to the Public Service Performance Manage-ment Unit for vetting (quality assurance) before signing. It is a requirement that The National Treasury, Parent Ministry and specialized agencies participate in the negotiations of the Performance Contracts for State Corporations. All performance contracts are then vetted by the Public Service Performance Management Unit to ensure compliance with the performance contracting guidelines . The signing of the performance contract is then done at the various levels in the Authority and implementation starts. The vetted Performance Contract is then cas-caded by signing lower level Contracts with depart-ments and downstream institutions and linking specific deliverables and targets to individual officers through work plans and the staff performance appraisal tool. The implementation also entails aligning other plan-ning tools such as Procurement and Cash Flow Plans to the Performance Contracts.

A good practice in performance management requires that implementation of Performance Contracts is monitored and reports prepared to among others, assess the extent of achievement of the set targets and inform management in decision-making. The annual performance reports should therefore be prepared and submitted to the relevant agency thirty (30) days after the end of the contract year for all performance indica-tors. All MDAs are required to prepare and submit quarterly performance reports within fifteen (15) days following the end of a quarter. The reports should be submitted to the relevant agency. The purpose of the Mid-year Performance Review is to track progress of achievement, identify and address challenges and constraints affecting performance to ensure that MDAs are on course to achieving their annual performance targets. All State Corporations are required to submit their quarterly performance reports to Inspectorate of State Corporations with copies to their Parent Ministry and The National Treasury and Planning. The Inspec-torate of State Corporations will then analyse and provide feedback to the State Corporations with copies to the parent Ministry and The National Treasury and Planning within fifteen working days upon receipt. The quarterly reports should be accompanied by an extract of the minutes of the Board/ Council or the relevant sub-committee indicating that they were discussed and approved. The MDAs are required to undertake a self (in-house) evaluation based on the annual achievement for each performance indicator using the Automated Per-formance Evaluation Platform after which it is moder-ated by an independent performance evaluation team. MDAs are therefore expected to provide verifiable documented evidence of achievement of performance targets. The parties to the evaluation process, upon agreement on the evaluation results are required to endorse the final evaluation matrix and detailed notes on the evaluation process in form of minutes. Once the moderated evaluation matrix and min-utes have been signed by both parties the same cannot be altered by either party. The performance evaluation results are then announced publicly.

Performance Contracting Cycle: The flowchart alongside shows the annual performance contracting cycle.

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Finance Manager Oliver Pyoko (Left) shares a cake with Finance Officer Macline onyiego during the latters birthday on October 7. (Photo: Courtesy)

ICT Authority in Pictures

A walk into the offices and one meets Macline Onyiego with a radiant smile and always to serve. Macline, a Finance officer recently turned a year older. Her colleagues at the Finance Department pulled up a surprise birthday with a HUGE cake for her which was shared with all the neighbours that included the Communications team.

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Inspection works by the advance team inspects Eldoret- Kitale route

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Board and DPS Giving Press Briefing

Contractor takes the team through the project designs

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Team inspects Kapenguria -Kainuk-Lokichar rehabilitation works

DPS Launching DLP at Kaaroge Primary School in Turkana South

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Team Inspects Lokichar- Lodwar section tracing the route for the cable along the road and lagers.

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S/NO Name County Designation1 Otieno A. Tony Coast RICTO2 Gloria Amati Nyanza RICTO3 Scolastica Songony South Rift RICTO4 Adan Mohamed N. Eastern RICTO5 James Mburu Central RICTO6 Leonard Kiplagat North Rift RICTO7 Joseph Macharia Eastern RICTO8 David Wasonga Western RICTO9 Saida A. Wangui Mombasa ICTO10 Mbaruku Wangai Taita Taveta ICTO11 Ronnie Munga ICTO12 Jediel Mutuma Kwale ICTO13 Seif Ouma Jowi Kisumu ICTO14 Geoffrey Odhiambo Migori ICTO15 Levis Jwan Siaya ICTO16 Benjamin Ogega Kisii ICTO17 Paul Lila Saunyi Kajiado ICTO18 Ronoline Cheruiyot Bomet ICTO19 Florence Chelanga Baringo ICTO20 William Adinda Laikipia ICTO21 Lilian Some Nakuru ICTO22 Cyrus Ngetich Narok ICTO23 Jabir Omar Marsabit ICTO24 Patrick Thotho Isiolo ICTO25 Mercy Njoki Kirinyaga ICTO26 Muigai John Kiambu ICTO27 Edwin Nyakondika Muranga ICTO28 Patrick Mbatia Nyandarua ICTO29 Ruth Kaiboi Nairobi ICTO30 Patrick Kwanya West Pokot ICTO31 Hillary Kurgat Uasin Gishu ICTO32 Jepkogei Lydia Elgeyo Marakwet ICTO33 Kibet Ronoh Trans Nzoia ICTO34 Lenges Karkel Samburu ICTO35 Martin Kathurima Meru ICTO36 Eric Erastus Embu ICTO37 Godfrey Maruta Tharaka Nithi ICTO38 Ernest Cheboi Machakos ICTO39 Nicholas Nthenge Kitui ICTO40 Alex Muse Makueni ICTO41 Collins Jensen Bungoma ICTO

COUNTY STAFF

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42 Edwin Kipkoech Busia ICTO43 Joan Mokeira Kakamega ICTO44 Michael Mulaku Tana River Acting ICTO45 Alex B. Majali Lamu Acting ICTO46 George Saitoti Tukiko Homa Bay Acting ICTO47 Orpher Nyaigoti Nyamira Acting ICTO48 Edith Chelangat Kericho Acting ICTO49 Mung’ori Elias Mukaria Garissa Acting ICTO50 Abdi mumin Wajir Acting ICTO51 Mustafa Mohammed Mandera Acting ICTO52 Elijah Wanjohi Nyeri Acting ICTO53 Rono Nicholas Kiprotich Vihiga Acting ICTO

54 Hillary Bitok

Nandi North, Chesumei, NandiSouth Acting ICTO

55 Brian Ngetich

Turkana North,Turkana west, Loima, Kibish Acting ICTO

COUNTY STAFF

The 10 Commandments On The Use Of Digital Technology

1. Honour God and everyone when online

2. Put God first, people and living things second, internet third

3. Rest offline every day

4. Obey your parents when online

5. Use the Internet to help others and not to harm them

6. Don’t steal other people’s ideas or property online

7. Check online information with parents and teachers

8. Don’t use the Internet to bully others

9. Don’t use the Internet to spread lies

10. Avoid Internet content that messes up your mind or wastes

your time.

(Authored by Dr. Katherine. Getao, EBS)

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ICT Authority mandate

• Set and enforce ICT standards and guidelines for the human resource, in-frastructure, processes and system and technology for the public office and public service;

• Deploy and manage all ICT staff in the public service;

• Facilitate and regulate the design, implementation and use of ICTs in the public service;

• Promote ICT literacy and capacity;

• Facilitate optimal electronic, electron-ic form, electronic record and equip-ment use in public service;

• Promote e-Government services;

• Promote ICT Innovation and enter-prise;

• Establish, develop and maintain se-cure ICT infrastructure and systems;

• Supervise the design, development and implementation of critical ICT projects across the public service.

• Implement and manage the Kenya National Spatial Data Initiative VisionUsing ICT to transform lives

MissionTo Champion and harness ICT for efficient and e ffective public s ervice delivery, w ealth c reation and w ell-be-ing of Kenyans

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ICT Authority ICT Authority ICT Authority

ICTAuthority ww w.icta.go.keICT Authority Kenya@ICTAuthorityKE

communications@ict.go.ke

PLEASE VISIT OUR SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS AND GIVE USE YOUR FEEDBACK;

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