Microsoft partners with American University to offer ICT programs to Kenyan Government Officials

By Nixon Kanali, TechTrendsKE

Microsoft together with the University of Albany’s Center for Technology in Government (CTG) in the United States have joined hands to offer executive level training programs to Kenyan government leaders.

Under the initiave by Microsoft4Afrika program which seeks to provide forums for African leaders on ICT best practices through innovative uses of information and communication technologies, the university plans to execute its School of Government (SOG) program to Kenyan government leaders.

As the primary content provider for the program, CTG will work with the government to implement the information and technology related policies as part of overall objective to improve Africa’s global competitiveness.

“The 4Afrika SOG provides a forum for government leaders of Africa to appreciate, contextualize, share, and strategize using the principles and best practices in ICT policy and practice,” Dr Theresa Pardo, CTG Director said.

The SOG, launched in February 2013, seeks to help accelerate Africa’s economic development and to improve its global competitiveness through innovation, affordable access and skills.

“It brings the perfect combination of knowledge, expertise, and experience aimed at those responsible for defining and implementing national and regional policies regarding ICT,” commented Mr Lutz Ziob, Dean of the 4Afrika Academy.

Last year, Kenya School of Government (KSG) collaborated with the Microsoft’s 4Afrika Program to undertake building capacity regarding ICT technology and policy within the Kenyan public sector.

The inaugural training saw senior government leaders at the national and county levels go through effective policy making programs related to top ICT issues.

“The Center’s 20 years of working with government leaders to enhance their capabilities to generate greater public value through innovative uses of information and communication technologies and collaborations is the foundation for the program,” CTG’s Dr Pardo added.

Over the next several years the 4Afrika SOG plans to provide countries across Africa with a series of leadership development programs tailored to meet their specific needs.

The targeted Kenyan government leaders in this program include Cabinet and Permanent Secretaries, Governors, Directors and Deputy-Directors of various government ministries, as well as other policy makers.

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