Mombasa, 6th April 2025
In a bid to accelerate digital transformation and streamline service delivery, Nairobi County’s Digital Economy and Startups sub-sector held a strategic workshop with IDE Sectors’ two other Sub sectors ; ICT Infrastructure and Smart Nairobi aligning the three sub sector programs with H.E Governor Johnson Sakaja’s manifesto and setting a unified path for innovation-led growth.
Opening the retreat, County Executive Committee Member for Innovation and Digital Economy (IDE), Mike Gumo, called for renewed professionalism and a results-oriented mindset. “This workshop is not just a formality. It’s an opportunity to reconnect with our purpose and reenergize our commitment to service,” he said.
Mr. Gumo urged participants to act as ambassadors of H.E Governor Sakaja’s digital vision and uphold integrity at every level of service delivery.
Chief Officer for Digital Economy and Startups, Sande Oyolo, emphasized the need for a shared mission and open communication within the sector. “We are not operating in silos. Our success lies in understanding and supporting each other. This forum is about building a purpose-driven team and listening to voices from the ground,” he stated.
He further added that the forum offered a unique opportunity for officers to voice their experiences from their respective work stations.
“You are the eyes and ears on the ground. Your insights are invaluable in shaping responsive and effective policies. Let us use this platform to exchange experiences, identify gaps, and propose meaningful solutions. We also want to ensure every officer understands how their contributions feed into the broader goals of the Innovation and Digital Economy sector,” he emphasized.
Smart Nairobi Chief Officer Wilson Gakuya underscored the importance of peer collaboration and lifelong learning. “Colleagues are a vital part of your journey. They are an investment at your workplace. Do not confine yourselves in your comfort zones. Learn, grow, and chart your future. Pursue education and professional growth relentlessly,” he urged.
Presentations from Director Elizabeth Ndung’u (Digital Economy and Startups), Truphena Ogonda (ICT Infrastructure) also representing Acting Chief Officer Tiras Njoroge, and Deputy Director Robert Okiri (Smart Nairobi) provided detailed presentations on their respective sub-sector mandates and ongoing programs. The officers engaged in interactive discussions that aimed to break silos and foster cross-functional collaboration.
ICT Director, Office of the Governor, Gideon Thande, reminded participants to anchor all initiatives in the Governor’s manifesto, while Sector Accountant Christopher Ondijo underscored the importance of fiscal transparency and accountability in delivering results. Assistant Director Administration Jane Nderitu called for structured management and enhanced staff welfare to support performance.
The forum concluded with actionable resolutions to strengthen internal coordination, address operational gaps, and chart a sustainable roadmap for the sector’s digital and innovation agenda.
The workshop marked a milestone in IDE Sector efforts to stir its innovation and digital economy agenda and underscore H.E Governor Sakaja’s ambition to lead Nairobi County’s digital economy from the frontlines.
Present were IDE Directors, Assistant Directors, Sector budget officer, and ICT instructors from the county’s 11 Vocational Training Centres.
End/..