On Mon, Aug 22, 2011 at 16:40, Andrea Bohnstedt
<andrea.bohnstedt@ratio-magazine.com> wrote:
Bit of afternoon googling.
There's this:
http://www.e-government.go.ke/
It helpfully also has a link to the online tracking of IDs and passports - which doesn't work, as we have learned earlier.
In principle, it's set up to co-ordinate IT issues across government bodies, and has quite a comprehensive list of functions. Here:
http://www.e-government.go.ke/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=96&Itemid=135
1. Update of e-Government Strategy
2. Interactive Voice Response Service
3. Government Messaging and Collaborative System (EMACS)
4. ICT Support
5. Primary Data Centre
6. Enhancement of Ministries Website Portal
7. Implementation of e-Applications.
8. Capacity Development on ICT
9. Development of Information Infrastructure
And this is the institutional framework:
An institutional framework and structure is in place to oversee and
coordinate the implementation of the e-Government Strategy. At the apex
is the cabinet Committee on ICT which oversees the implementation of the
Strategy; the Permanent Secretaries ICT Committee which coordinates the
implementation of the e-Government initiative; and e-Government
Committees in the Ministries which reviews the various ICT projects in
the Ministries, undertake audit of the IT capacity, establish support to
the ministry’s policy mandate, identify gaps and inadequacies both
technical and institutional and make appropriate recommendations on the
way forward. The Directorate of e-Government coordinates and prepares
the e-Government Strategy including the implementation plan and
monitoring and evaluation of the process. The Government is committed to
make e-Government a reality and to ensure that it provide better
service to Kenyans.
Some folks, very comfortable in their cocoons, enjoying task-payers' money! I see no need for myriad committees duplicating each others roles. I see a situation where e-gov directorate comprises a bunch that sit and do nothing, waiting for X-committee to do XYZ. Remember those days of govt employees who'd come to the office and hang their coats on their seats then disappear no God-knows-where? That age is still very much here with us. If e-gov directorate was overseeing the others, I believe Dr. Rigia would not have had issues with a dysfunctional website/messaging system.
It's very easy to put down what you (should) do on paper. It's a completely different ballgame doing it. That's how I see it -- in this case.
