Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo and the Open University emerged as the top achievers at the 2024 ICT Value Awards, held last night at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) in Nairobi.
The prestigious event, which celebrates innovation, excellence, and leadership in the ICT and digital media sectors, highlighted their significant contributions to advancing technology and digital transformation in Kenya.
PS Omollo was recognized for his outstanding leadership in driving digital transformation initiatives within the public sector. He received the ‘Best National Vision on ICT Award’ for his pivotal role in leading the government to digitize the National Government Administrative Officers (NGAO) system and Police Occurrence Book (OB), streamlining crime reporting and improving public safety.
Speaking at the event, Dennis Itumbi, Head of the President’s Special Projects and Creative Economy Coordination, challenged innovators to create fact-checking tools to combat misinformation and fake news.
“We must rise to the occasion and ensure that we use innovation to stop fake news, which has become the single biggest threat to our democracy,” said Itumbi while congratulating the winners.
On his part, Adrian Kamotho the Secretary General of the ICT Value Awards said it was time for private sector to invest more in rewarding excellence in the sector as a way of boosting morale among innovators and sparking a talent revolution.
Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja was named the Digital Excellence champion of the year.
The Open University, Kenya’s first fully digital university, was a standout performer, winning multiple awards for its transformative impact on higher education. By leveraging cutting-edge technology, the institution has made quality education more accessible, particularly in remote and underserved areas.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Elijah Omwenga received the ‘Distinguished Scholar Award’ for his exemplary leadership in the academic sector.
Other notable winners of the night included:
- KICC, which won three awards, with Digital Communication Manager David Gitari named Digital Communication Practitioner of the Year.
- TV47, honored for the Best Use of ICT in Media.
- SPM Buzz, recognized as the Best Digital Media House.
- Mount Kenya University, awarded for the Best Use of ICT in Education.
- Athi Water Works Development Agency, recognized for the Best Use of ICT in Parastatals.
In the devolved government category, Nairobi and Nakuru Counties were declared winners for their innovative ICT strategies
.Additional awards were presented to ICT Authority, Fanikisha Micro Finance, Ushers Kenya, Sidian Bank, Kenya Film Classification Board (KFCB), and Solventa Enterprises for their outstanding contributions to ICT innovation in various sectors.
The 2024 ICT Value Awards showcased a record number of nominees, reflecting the growing impact of technology in shaping Kenya’s future. The event brought together stakeholders from government, academia, and industry, cementing the role of ICT as a cornerstone of national development.
