Kenya has embarked on developing a Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) roadmap, marking a pivotal moment in its digital transformation journey. The initiative was launched during the inaugural Inter-Ministerial Steering Committee meeting, bringing together government agencies, civil society, academia, and international partners to co-create a unified framework for secure, interoperable, and inclusive digital systems.
“This roadmap will not be designed by the Ministry of ICT and Digital Economy alone,” said Eng. John Tanui, the Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Information, Communications and the Digital Economy in his remarks read by Ms Mary Kerema, Secretary ICT, E-Government and Digital Economy in the Ministry of IC&DE. “It will be cooperated across ministries and agencies, because DPI cuts across all sectors.”
The roadmap builds on Kenya’s existing digital achievements, including over 20,000 e-services on the eCitizen platform, and aims to consolidate fragmented systems into a coherent national infrastructure.
A key contributor to Kenya’s DPI journey is KICTANet has advocated for inclusive, rights-based digital development. Through its policy dialogues, research, and convenings, KICTANet has helped shape national and continental DPI frameworks by emphasizing universal access to ICTs and the need for knowledge-based economies.
KICTANet’s strategic efforts include engaging government, civil society, academia, and the private sector to ensure DPI reflects the needs of all Kenyans. Its contributions to ICT regulation and digital governance have positioned it as a vital voice in the co-creation of Kenya’s digital future.
A Continental Leader Moves to Connect the Dots
Kenya’s DPI roadmap is grounded in the GovStack methodology and supported by global partners including GIZ, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), and the European Union. The effort follows the signing of a letter of intent at the Connected Africa Summit in May 2025.
Christin Schulz-Kaunga, Head of The Digital Transformation Center (DTC) at GIZ, emphasised the importance of collaboration: “What sets a strong foundation is having a diversity of stakeholders in the room. This is the chance to bring all of us together at the table.”
The roadmap will serve as a strategic blueprint to unify digital identity, payments, data exchange, and trusted services, core pillars of DPI that enable seamless service delivery and economic growth.
Key Priorities: Interoperability, Inclusion, and Governance
The DPI roadmap will address gaps in Kenya’s digital ecosystem, including fragmentation, regulatory misalignment, and limited interoperability. Stakeholder mapping, policy reviews, and technical design using GovStack building blocks are central to the process.
Mary Kerema, Secretary of eGovernment, outlined the roadmap’s objectives: “We need to develop an interoperable, inclusive, secure digital public infrastructure. It’s not just about systems. It’s about enabling efficient interaction between citizens, government, and business.”
The roadmap will also prioritise equity and inclusivity, ensuring marginalized groups are not left behind. A participatory approach will guide the development, with stakeholder interviews and validation workshops shaping the final framework.
Global Benchmarking and Local Relevance
ITU representatives stressed the importance of benchmarking Kenya’s progress against global best practices. “The DPI roadmap is not just a piece of paper. It must be implementable,” said one ITU official. “Our role is to provide tools and insights, but the ownership lies with Kenya.”
Drawing lessons from digital leaders like Estonia, Singapore, and India, the roadmap will assess five critical domains: digital data infrastructure, interoperability frameworks, digital identity and trust, access, and governance.
Estonian architect and advisor Costa added, “Digital transformation is not just technology. It’s a mix of training, legislation, and infrastructure. The roadmap must be resilient, future-proof, and embedded in strong institutions.”
A Vision for Kenya’s Digital Future
The DPI roadmap is expected to enhance public service delivery, foster innovation, and strengthen Kenya’s position as a regional digital leader. It will also support financial inclusion, data security, and sustainable economic growth.
“Kenya has the potential to become a continental leader in DPI,” PS Tanui affirmed. “If we succeed, our roadmap can serve as a model for Africa, driving digital inclusion and transformation across the region.”
With KICTANet’s continued advocacy and the government’s commitment to multi-sectoral collaboration, Kenya is poised to build a trusted, inclusive, and transformative digital infrastructure that empowers citizens and accelerates national progress.