The National Assembly Appointments Committee has approved William Kabogo, Mutahi Kagwe and Lee Kinyanjui for top jobs. Kabogo, former Kiambu Governor, takes over as Cabinet Secretary for ICT, Innovation and Digital Economy in President Ruto’s government.
Focus on ICT and Social Media Regulation
At his vetting, Kabogo said he will focus on youth online and regulate social media and artificial intelligence (AI) in Kenya. While acknowledging the importance of freedom of expression, he proposed measures to curb online misuse including hate speech and cyber threats.
Kabogo said he will act fast:
“We have technical people who can implement clear ways to address social media misuse. Balancing freedom of expression and responsible online behaviour will be my priority.”
This comes as government is worried about social media’s role in protests and public dissent.
History of Cyberspace Tensions
Ruto’s government has always blamed social media for national security challenges. After last year’s youth led protests against the Finance Bill, then-Defence CS Aden Duale deployed the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) to counter “threats planned and orchestrated through cyberspace.” Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen recently warned against online misuse, a signal of a government crackdown on dissent.
Kabogo’s Chequered Past
Despite his approval, Kabogo’s appointment has raised eyebrows due to his limited ICT experience and controversial past.
Net Worth and Career
Kabogo declared a net worth of Ksh 3.01 billion comprising of real estate, shares and other assets. He said he implemented good ICT policies during his time as Kiambu Governor but his critics question his qualifications for this job.
Alleged Drug Trafficking Links
In 2010, then-Internal Security Minister George Saitoti named Kabogo in a list of MPs allegedly involved in drug trafficking. Kabogo has always denied these allegations, calling the evidence baseless.
Mercy Keino’s Death
Kabogo’s name was also linked to the 2011 death of university student Mercy Keino. At his vetting, he denied any involvement, citing a court inquest that cleared him.
“I was just in the wrong place at the wrong time,” Kabogo said.
The court found that Keino died in a hit and run accident not foul play.
Challenges Ahead
As the new ICT CS, Kabogo has a tough job ahead of him including delivering the Digital Superhighway promised by the Kenya Kwanza government. His predecessor, Margaret Ndung’u, resigned after a short stint, citing government inefficiency. Kabogo has to navigate policy challenges while facing growing public scrutiny of his leadership.
Kabogo’s To-Do List
- Digital Superhighway: Implement infrastructure projects to increase internet connectivity across the country.
- Social Media Regulation: Balance freedom of expression with efforts to curb misuse and hate speech.
- Youth Engagement: Promote responsible AI and technology use among Kenya’s tech literate youth.
We shall be watching on how he progressess in the ministry given his controversial past.