This archive report was first published on 13 August 2020.
On August 13, 2020, Nerima Wako-Ojiwa, executive director of Siasa Place, highlighted the stark contrast between the aging civil service in Kenya and the tech-savvy youth population.
Tim Berners-Lee invented the World Wide Web in 1989, and in just over 30 years, there have been numerous improvements on his invention. The internet has revolutionized the way we communicate, access information, and conduct our daily lives.
However, the civil service in Kenya is lagging behind, with only 17.4% of the 860,000 civil servants being young people. This is concerning, given that 75% of Kenyans are below the age of 35 years.
The lack of young people in key roles is not only a demographic issue but also a technological one. With the increasing use of technology in everyday life, it is essential for the civil service to adapt and keep pace.
One of the major challenges facing the civil service is the lack of access to public information. Websites are often outdated, and filing systems have not been updated for decades. This makes it difficult for citizens to access information and for the government to communicate effectively.
As the world becomes increasingly digital, it is essential for the civil service to adapt and keep pace. This includes attracting and retaining young people who are tech-savvy and can help drive innovation and change.
With a growing population and an increasing need for effective communication, it is crucial that the civil service in Kenya takes steps to bridge the gap between age and technology.
Nerima Wako-Ojiwa, executive director of Siasa Place, emphasized the need for change, saying, 'How can we get easy access to public information? Can websites be updated regularly?'
It is time for the civil service in Kenya to adapt to the changing times and prioritize the use of technology to improve communication, access to information, and overall efficiency.
