Turkana: Officials from various departments at the Turkana County Government took part in a pilot exercise for the Digital Maturity Index (DMI), a programme designed to facilitate structured digital transformation within local governments. The initiative provides a standardised framework for assessing digital maturity, responding to the growing need for improved digital services.
According to Kenya News Agency, the workshop was organised by VNG International in collaboration with the AKVO Foundation. It is part of the Sustainable Development for Improved Local Governance (SDLG) programme currently being implemented in Turkana County. AKVO Foundation, a non-profit focused on internet and software development, is headquartered in Amsterdam, Netherlands.
During the session, participants were trained on using the DMI tool to evaluate the county's digital capabilities, identify gaps, and develop strategies for digital transformation. The programme aims to enhance service delivery and drive development through digitisation. Deputy Director for Resource Mobilisation and Partner Coordination, Michael Aupe, emphasised the initiative's significance by appreciating the efforts of partners in providing capacity-building training on digital transformation.
Kenya Resident Programme Manager at VNG International, Ms Grainne Kidakwa, acknowledged the county's efforts but noted that digitisation progress has been slow. She highlighted that the Digital Maturity Index tool is a framework enabling the county to measure its digital maturity and develop actionable insights for evidence-based decision-making.
Head of Operations at the AKVO Foundation, Robert Meere, reiterated his organisation's commitment to leveraging technology for local government development. As an implementing partner, he expressed anticipation for collaborating with the county's digitisation task force in coordinating and implementing the DMI tool.
VNG International also expressed gratitude for the ongoing partnership with the Turkana County Government, underscoring the initiative's importance for the region's future. Among the county officials present at the workshop were Deputy Director for Resource Mobilisation and Partner Coordination, Mike Aupe; Director for Governor's Press Service, Omar Yusuf; Assistant Director for Monitoring and Evaluation, Michael Ekwang'a; and Deputy Director for ICT, Richard Mzungu, alongside other key stakeholders.