KENET successfully held the annual ICT directors forum for non-educational institutions at the Great Rift Valley Lodge, Naivasha on May 23-24, 2024. The one and a half-day event was attended by various KENET member institutions (ICT Directors and invited guests) or their representatives with over 50 participants  representing 5 public research institutions, 3 private research institutions, 3 capacity building institutions, 4 public hospitals/medical colleges, 9 private hospitals/medical colleges, 10 institutions affiliated to research and education. Invited guests, KENET Management Board and staff were also in attendance.

This year’s theme for the forum was “Improving the Resilience of Institutional Digital Infrastructures” which addressed critical issues affecting affiliates with presentations including institutional mitigation of cybersecurity attacks, identity management systems, ERP deployment and technical support, digital transformation and enhancement of ICT readiness and budgeting. The keynote speaker at the forum was Prof. Kinandu Muragu, FCPA who made a keynote address on Developing an effective Digital Transformation Roadmap.

Mr. Kennedy Aseda, Chief Technology Officer, KENET made a presentation on the strategies for establishing robust cybersecurity framework and enhancing ICT readiness for member institutions which was then followed by Breakout sessions focused on utilizing digital technology to improve working environments in teaching hospitals and research institutions, as well as data sharing and interoperability in higher education and research. Plenary panel discussions addressed challenges in deploying ERPs and administrative information systems, ensuring business continuity in a digital environment, and the importance of data protection and governance.

The forum emphasized the significance of digital transformation for institutions and the importance of building the right ICT workforce to manage the journey effectively with  discussions centered on demystifying digital transformation, building an ICT workforce, and leveraging identity and trust services for secure connectivity and collaboration. The  forum provided a platform for industry leaders to exchange insights, strategies, and best practices for enhancing the resilience of institutional digital infrastructures. As organizations continue to navigate the evolving digital landscape, the forum underscored the importance of collaboration, innovation, and continuous learning in driving sustainable digital transformation.