This spring saw the end of a three-year collaborative project between TalTech's e-Governance Technology and Services curriculum and the Strathmore University Business School, which focused on strengthening e-governance initiatives in Kenya by promoting digital literacy, fostering democracy and a culture of digital governance. The project was supported by ESTDEV.
In collaboration with TalTech, Strathmore Business School developed a curriculum in e-governance and digital change management, building on successful reforms and best practices in Estonia. The training programmes provided faculty and civil servants with essential skills and the study visit to Estonia facilitated knowledge exchange.
According to the project coordinator Engel-Mari Mölder, the project's main objective was to address key challenges such as barriers to information sharing and a shortage of highly qualified ICT specialists. This meant that we had to equip the faculty at Strathmore University with the knowledge and skills to open their own e-Governance curriculum. "We achieved this, and in addition, we developed two e-courses that will enable Strathmore University to flexibly train public sector staff in the future," added Mölder.
Long experience in e-governance
Ingrid Pappel, Head of TalTech E-Governance Technologies and Services Master's Programme and lecturer, noted that this initiative was made possible by the university's experience in e-governance technologies and services, which has developed from long-term cooperation with the public sector and IT companies. "Over the years, TalTech has organised a variety of training programmes and joint seminars, particularly targeting African Union countries," said Pappel. He added that notable activities include e-governance workshops funded by the Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and practical workshops for small and medium-sized enterprises in Algeria.
Key aspects of the cooperation include the analysis of e-governance and digital competences, the creation of a curriculum on digital competences and change, the organisation of joint training programmes in e-governance, the organisation of a training programme for journalists in digital competences, and the exchange of teachers, researchers and students for studies and research in e-governance.
Assoc.-Prof. Pappel underlined that Kenya is currently investing heavily in the development of e-skills to disseminate e-skills knowledge to the widest possible audience. It is important to note that Kenya has a very high proportion of young people who have excellent potential to develop e-government capabilities. "It is through youth-oriented activities that we can raise awareness of e-governance, increase digital literacy and drive societal change in Kenya," said Ingrid Pappel.