Director Information Communication Technology (ICT) at Vihiga County Government

The officer shall report to the Chief Officer responsible for Public Service and Administration. He /she shall be responsible for managing the information systems and technology function by providing strategic leadership, oversight, operational management for the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) function within the Executive arm of the County Government of Vihiga.

Duties and responsibilities
Strategic Leadership and Governance

• ICT Strategy Development: Lead the formulation and implementation of a comprehensive ICT Strategy aligned with the county's policy priorities, development plan, and e-government initiative
• Policy and Planning: Develop, review and update ICT policies, frameworks and standards to ensure compliance with national standards and emerging technologies
• Budget and Resource Management: Direct planning, formulation and management of the ICT budget, ensuring optimal use of resources and sustainable investments in digital infrastructure
• Stakeholder Engagement: In consultation with the Chief Officer for Public Service, Work closely with county officials, government agencies, private sector partners and community representatives to foster partnerships, secure funding and support collaborative projects

Technology and Infrastructure Oversight

• IT systems Management: Oversee the design, implementation and maintenance of integrated ICT systems including data centres, networks, cyber security measures and cloud infrastructure
• Digital Transformation: Spearhead initiatives to digitize county services such as e- governance platforms, citizen service portals, e-learning and e-health systems
• Project Management: Manage ICT projects from conception through execution and evaluation. Ensure projects are delivered on time, within scope and budget
• System Integration: Lead efforts to integrate existing systems, eliminating silos, ensuring data consistency and improving interoperability among county departments
• Cyber security Oversight: Implement robust cyber security measures, risk assessments and disaster recovery protocols to protect data integrity and confidentiality

Technical Oversight and Innovation

Programming and Software Development

• Oversee the development, customization and maintenance of software solutions that support county operations
• Provide guidance on programming languages (e.g Java, Python, C#) and modern frameworks (e.g NET, Django, Angular) for in-house application development
• Ensure adherence to software development best practices including agile methodologies, version control and continuous integration/continuous development (CI/CD) protocols
• Emerging Technologies: Evaluate and implement new technologies (e.g Artificial Intelligence, Internet of Things, Big Data analytics) to enhance service delivery and administrative efficiency
• Data Management: Direct efforts to establish robust data governance, analytics frameworks and reporting systems that aid in evidence-based decision making
• IT Support and Innovation Lab: Champion the creation and maintenance of an IT support structure and innovation laboratory dedicated to testing, prototyping and scaling new digital solutions

Leadership and Team Management:

• Team Development: Recruit, train and mentor a skilled team of IT professionals
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement, collaboration and innovation
• Performance Management: Set clear performance objectives, conduct regular reviews and drive professional development to ensure the ICT team meets strategic goals
• Vendor and Contract Management: Negotiate contracts and manage relationships with external vendors, consultants and service providers. Ensure quality delivery of external services and alignment with county objectives
• Change Management: Lead transformational change initiatives, guiding staff and stakeholders through digital transitions and new technology implementations

Compliance, Risk and Quality Assurance

• Regulatory Compliance: Ensure all ICT operations comply with Kenyan legislation (including data protection laws and e-governance regulations) and international best practices
• Risk Management: Identify potential technical and operational risks; develop and implement mitigation strategies
• Quality Assurance: Establish and monitor performance metrics and key performance indicators (KPIs) for all ICT initiatives and projects

Requirements for Appointment

For appointment to this grade, an officer must have:

• Served in the grade of Deputy Director of Information Communication Technology or in an equivalent and relevant position in the Public Service or reputable private sector organization for a minimum period of three (3) years
• Minimum of eight (8) to ten (10) years of progressively responsible IT management experience
• A Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Information Systems, or related field
• A Masters degree in Computer Science or any other ICT related discipline from a recognized institution
• Attended a Strategic Leadership Development Programme lasting not less than four (4) weeks from a recognized institution
• Demonstrated professional ability, initiative and competence in organizing and directing work
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; capable of engaging effectively with technical teams, senior management, elected officials and community stakeholders