PS Juma Mukhwana Hosts GIST Delegation to Advance Human-Centric ICT Standards

The Principal Secretary for Industry, *Dr. Juma Mukhwana, today hosted a delegation from the Global Partnership for Human-Centric ICT Standardization (GIST), led by Alberto Simeoni,   an initiative officially recognised by the European Standardisation Organizations under the European Union's External Actions programme. The meeting explored opportunities for collaboration in developing internationally harmonised ICT standards that support Kenya's digital transformation agenda while promoting innovation, security and interoperability.

The GIST programme, which is being implemented in partnership with the Communications Authority of Kenya over a 48-month period ending in 2028, focuses on three strategic priorities: *regional dialogue on ICT standards, Artificial Intelligence (AI) standardization, and e-Governance interoperability*. Kenya is among the participating countries alongside Nigeria, Egypt, Tunisia, Colombia and Indonesia.

Speaking during the meeting, Dr. Mukhwana observed that Kenya has made remarkable progress in ICT innovation, with policy and regulatory frameworks evolving to keep pace with emerging technologies. He noted that while regulations are gradually taking shape, standardization remains essential in ensuring that technological advancements are secure, inclusive and globally competitive.

The Principal Secretary underscored the importance of developing standards that facilitate seamless exchange of data across government institutions. He observed that critical national data remains fragmented in institutional silos, limiting evidence-based decision-making. Harmonised data standards, he said, would enable systems in sectors such as health, agriculture and social protection to communicate effectively, improving service delivery and policy planning.

Dr. Mukhwana further emphasized the need to strengthen standards governing Artificial Intelligence, cybersecurity, digital identity, software development and ICT equipment. He noted that AI standards should define expected performance, accountability and safety while safeguarding citizens' rights. He also called for stronger enforcement mechanisms to prevent the importation of counterfeit and substandard ICT products, while reinforcing Intellectual Property protection to support innovation and local industry.

The discussions also highlighted emerging areas requiring international standards, including cyber resilience, digital identity wallets, data governance frameworks, clean industry technologies and quantum technologies. Participants observed that modern software development should increasingly be guided by standards promoting energy efficiency, accessibility, security and interoperability.

The Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS), through its membership in the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the development and adoption of harmonised ICT standards within Kenya and the East African Community. Discussions also focused on advancing e-accessibility standards, strengthening interoperability in e-government services and establishing human resource standards for the ICT sector.

The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to deepen collaboration in developing human-centric ICT standards that enhance trust in digital systems, improve cross-sector data exchange and position Kenya as a regional leader in secure, inclusive and standards-driven digital transformation.