Nairobi: Principal Secretary for Broadcasting and Telecommunications, Stephen Isaboke, has emphasized the significance of ongoing staff development within the Ministry of Information Communications and the Digital Economy. He highlighted the necessity of continuous training initiatives to align the skills of ministry staff with evolving job market demands.
According to Kenya News Agency, Isaboke stressed that the ministry aims to cultivate a dynamic human resources workforce in Public Service by collaborating with key stakeholders. This initiative seeks to address staff shortages across departments and tackle challenges related to succession management due to mass retirements. He mentioned plans to train Public Communication Officers on Artificial Intelligence at the Government Training Institute, supported by donor-funded resources, to equip staff with cutting-edge digital skills.
Stephen Isaboke remarked that staff are learning the latest tools, running scripts, and, crucially, fact-checking information rather than accepting it at face value. These efforts are intended to build critical capacity and equip staff with the necessary skills to facilitate seamless government operations.
While addressing staff at the Ministry’s Headquarters in TelePosta Towers, Nairobi, Isaboke reaffirmed the government’s commitment to delivering services that meet public expectations. He acknowledged progress but emphasized the need for further efforts to ensure that processes, laws, and policies remain responsive to public needs.
During the meeting, Isaboke expressed gratitude for the staff’s dedication, which earned him two prestigious National Awards for exemplary leadership. These accolades include an Achievement of an Unmodified Audit Opinion from the Office of the Auditor-General and Leadership in Driving the Public Service Transformational Agenda.
On recruitment, Isaboke mentioned efforts to collaborate with HR and the Public Service to fill vacancies and enhance the Ministry’s capacity. He highlighted internal reforms such as weekly planning meetings to monitor departmental progress, promote efficient resource use, and implement innovative approaches like AI training for Public Communication Officers.
Isaboke encouraged staff to persistently focus on small, meaningful changes that improve service delivery. He emphasized that even with limited budgets, the Ministry strives to make an impact by utilizing available resources effectively. The ongoing efforts align with the government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda, particularly in sectors such as Agriculture, MSMEs, Housing, Healthcare, and the Digital Economy.
As the year concludes, Isaboke urged staff to embrace responsibility, teamwork, and accountability. He emphasized the importance of work-life balance and personal well-being to ensure effective service delivery. He extended gratitude for their dedication, wishing them a Happy Christmas and New Year, and reminded them that public service success is a collective effort.
