Kabogo Defends Technical Credentials as He Signals Tougher Action on Digital Platforms

ICT and Digital Economy Cabinet Secretary William Kabogo has defended his suitability to lead Kenya's technology ministry, dismissing criticism over his technical qualifications and arguing that the role of a Cabinet Secretary is to coordinate expertise rather than write computer code.

Speaking to Inooro TV on Wednesday, Kabogo said questions about whether he has the technical skills required to head the ministry reflected a misunderstanding of the responsibilities of a Cabinet Secretary.

“I was not made CS to write code or do programming,” Kabogo said.

He explained that his responsibility was to coordinate resources, including personnel, and ensure that professionals within the ministry deliver on their respective mandates.

Kabogo: Ministry Has Technical Experts

Kabogo said the ICT and Digital Economy Ministry has experienced professionals capable of handling complex technical matters, with his role focused on bringing together their expertise and coordinating stakeholders across the sector.

“Since I became CS, the stakeholders have been very happy,” he said, citing support from American and Kenyan chambers of commerce, content creators and business groups.

According to Kabogo, his approach has helped streamline issues affecting different players in the technology and digital economy sectors.

He compared his role to that of other Cabinet Secretaries, arguing that ministers do not necessarily need to be specialists in every technical aspect of their portfolios.

“The Minister of Health does not necessarily have to be a doctor,” he said, adding that government leaders rely on teams of experts to provide specialized knowledge.

Warning Over Unlicensed Betting and Digital Lending

Beyond defending his qualifications, Kabogo signalled a tougher regulatory approach towards betting platforms and digital lenders operating outside Kenya's regulatory framework.

He raised concerns over the social impact of unlicensed betting applications, arguing that excessive gambling was damaging families and contributing to financial hardship.

“These betting apps have destroyed families,” Kabogo said, while alleging that some platforms operate without the necessary licences and may violate provisions of the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act.

He also warned about unregulated financial operations and individuals operating as illegal moneylenders, describing Kenya as increasingly becoming a “betting society.”

“There are funny financial institutions operating without licenses, people acting as shylocks and fleecing Kenyans,” he said.

Government Tracks Unlicensed Fintech Operations

Kabogo cited enforcement against unlicensed fintech operators as evidence of his ministry's efforts to protect Kenyans in the digital economy.

He said authorities had pursued digital firms operating across international borders, citing the case of Eyecoin.

“We followed Eyecoin to Germany to delete the data they had collected in Kenya,” he said.

The comments highlight the growing focus by Kenyan authorities on how digital companies collect, store and use personal information belonging to Kenyan consumers.

AI Misuse Raises New Concerns

Kabogo also highlighted emerging risks associated with the misuse of artificial intelligence, particularly deepfakes and AI-generated content used to damage people's reputations.

He said the Communications Authority of Kenya would soon introduce regulations aimed at promoting the ethical use of artificial intelligence.

“The CA will come up with regulations around the ethical use of AI, because people are taking advantage of AI to assassinate the characters of others,” Kabogo said.

The planned regulatory measures are expected to add to Kenya's evolving framework for managing emerging digital technologies.

As artificial intelligence becomes increasingly accessible, concerns over misinformation, impersonation and digitally manipulated content are likely to remain a major issue for regulators and policymakers.

Kabogo's remarks signal that his tenure at the ICT ministry will focus not only on digital transformation and technology development, but also on tighter oversight of online platforms and emerging technologies.