By Patricia Okumu
On Tuesday, September 27th 2022, the long-awaited Cabinet Secretaries team was finally unveiled. One of the ministries that has had a new name recommended to head the docket is the ICT Ministry. Eliud Owalo is one of them and will soon serve as the CS for ICT, of course after being approved by parliament.
The former Director/Council Member of the Kenya School of Government (KSG), who accepted his new position, declared he would take advantage of the chance to help the President deliver on his manifesto.
“I take this early opportunity to sincerely thank the President and Commander in Chief of the Defense Forces of the Republic of Kenya, Dr. William Samoei Ruto for having nominated me to serve Kenyans as the Cabinet Secretary for Information, Communication and the Digital Economy,” he said on Tuesday.
The ICT Ministry is one of the key driving forces to the realization of the government’s Big 4 Agenda. As Owalo Steps in to fill the ICT docket left vacant by the former CS Joe Mucheru for the past seven or so years, more digital change is anticipated to occur during his tenure at the ministry. With the Digital Masterplan ahead, Owalo has got a big task at hand to ensure that his efforts will help chart a digital course for the country towards a tremendous growth and innovation as well as enhance the ICT potential of Kenya in the worldwide market.
The National Digital Masterplan 2022 – 2032 was launched by former Cabinet Secretary for Youth, Innovation and ICT, Joe Mucheru at the 11th edition of the Connected Summit in Diani, Kenya. The plan seeks to explore digital innovation, enterprise, and digital business. This will effectively enhance the innovation value chain to turn innovative ideas into sustainable businesses and operating models.
Eliud Olawo is currently pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Candidate in Strategic Management, from the University of Nairobi. He also holds a Bachelor of Arts (BA) Degree in Economics and Business Studies from Kenyatta University and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) Degree in Human Resources Management, from the University of Nairobi
According to his LinkedIn page, he managed Eliud and Associates for the previous 21 years as a managing consultant before being appointed by the Kenyan President.
He expressed his gratitude to Ruto for giving him the responsibility of leading the ICT Ministry, noting its importance to the growth of the nation. When he takes over the position, he has committed to work hard.
“There is no greater honor than to serve one’s country. I promise to be responsive to the needs of Kenyans and to serve selflessly with diligence and efficacy,” he said.
Owalo is most certainly going to pen his own narrative; whether he chooses to follow Mucheru’s lead or forges his own course remains to be seen. We can only hope that they would make working in the ICT department as fulfilling as possible for Kenyans.
