President William Ruto has announced a major digital shift within Kenya’s administrative and security systems, revealing that all chiefs across the country will receive electronic tablets within the next six months. The devices, he said, will enable chiefs to file incident reports instantly and contribute to the creation of a nationwide, real-time data system.
Speaking at State House, Nairobi, during the official presentation of the Jukwaa la Usalama report, Ruto said the digitisation drive is a fundamental step toward modernising public administration, tightening accountability and strengthening Kenya’s national security framework.
He noted that the tablets will be used strictly for digital reporting, ensuring that incidents are captured, transmitted, and acted upon quickly.
“From now on, every incident will be reported digitally. We want a national database that allows timely coordination and faster response,” President Ruto said.
Ruto emphasised that Kenya can no longer rely on outdated paper-based systems, which he described as slow, inefficient, and prone to errors. Instead, he said the government is committed to building a fully integrated ICT ecosystem that supports fast decision-making at all levels of administration.
As part of the broader modernisation plan, the government will digitise police files, National Government Administrative Officers’ (NGAOs) records, data on National Police Reservists and the Occurrence Book (OB) system. These changes, Ruto said, are expected to enhance accuracy in reporting and minimise opportunities for manipulation or data loss.
“We want to increase efficiency and transparency. For too long, government departments have been operating with equipment that cannot meet the demands of modern governance,” he said.
The Jukwaa la Usalama report, presented to Ruto by the Ministry of Interior, highlights widespread ICT gaps within Kenya’s security and administrative setup. According to the findings, many officers are still using obsolete computers, malfunctioning devices, or relying on manual record-keeping. The report also notes that connectivity challenges remain a major barrier for those stationed in remote regions.
These infrastructural challenges, the report warns, have serious implications. They affect timely reporting of incidents, weaken real-time coordination between agencies, and reduce the ability to respond swiftly to emergencies. In addition, poor ICT infrastructure increases the risk of cyber-attacks and makes data recovery difficult during system failures.
The report recommends targeted investments in modern ICT infrastructure, frequent equipment upgrades, expanded internet access, and routine maintenance across all administrative units.
The Jukwaa la Usalama consultations were undertaken between April 7 and October 2, 2025, covering all 47 counties. They gathered extensive feedback from citizens, leaders, and security officials. The public forums, the report notes, were crucial in capturing real community experiences and understanding the existing gaps in service delivery, policing, and administration.
The engagements also helped build trust between the government and the public by giving citizens a platform to voice their concerns directly. The recommendations arising from these dialogues will shape the next phase of security reforms.
Ruto reaffirmed that the government is committed to using these findings to develop a more responsive, people-centered administration. He said the reforms will not only modernise public service but also ensure faster, efficient, and transparent delivery of services to citizens.
“These recommendations will guide us as we strengthen our institutions, enhance security, and build an administration that aligns with the expectations of the Kenyan people,” he said.
With the rollout of digital tablets and the planned overhaul of administrative technology systems, the government aims to usher in a new era where data-driven governance becomes the norm improving service delivery, boosting accountability and ensuring that no region is left behind in Kenya’s digital transformation journey.
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