About Company
The Elgeyo-Marakwet County Government is committed to serving its citizens by fostering socio-economic development, promoting good governance, and ensuring efficient public service delivery across the county. Located in the picturesque Rift Valley of Kenya, Elgeyo-Marakwet is known for its rich agricultural heritage, vibrant communities, and commitment to leveraging innovation for sustainable growth. We are dedicated to creating a transparent, accountable, and citizen-centric governance structure, utilizing modern technologies to improve efficiency, enhance service accessibility, and drive progress for all residents. Join us in our mission to build a prosperous and digitally empowered county.
Job Description
The Elgeyo-Marakwet County Government is seeking a visionary and dynamic Chief Information Officer (CIO) to lead its information technology strategy and operations. The CIO will be a critical member of the executive leadership team, responsible for shaping the county’s digital future, ensuring robust, secure, and efficient IT infrastructure, and spearheading initiatives that leverage technology to improve public service delivery and governance. This pivotal role requires a strategic thinker with proven leadership capabilities, deep technical expertise, and a passion for public service innovation. The successful candidate will be instrumental in driving digital transformation, optimizing our technology ecosystem, and fostering a culture of technological excellence within the county government.
You will be expected to align IT initiatives with the county’s strategic objectives, ensuring that technology serves as a key enabler for effective and efficient government operations, citizen engagement, and sustainable development. This includes overseeing the development and implementation of new systems, managing existing IT assets, and safeguarding the county’s digital assets against evolving threats. The CIO will serve as the primary advocate for technology adoption and innovation across all county departments, facilitating the integration of IT solutions that enhance efficiency, transparency, and accountability in public administration. This senior executive will report directly to the County Secretary and will be expected to provide expert counsel to the County Executive Committee on all matters relating to information technology, digital strategy, and data management. We are looking for a leader who can not only manage current IT needs but also anticipate future technological trends and position Elgeyo-Marakwet County at the forefront of digital governance in Kenya. The role involves continuous engagement with various stakeholders, including residents, county assembly members, and national government bodies, to ensure that IT services are responsive to community needs and aligned with national digital policies. Your leadership will be crucial in fostering a digitally empowered workforce and ensuring resilient and reliable IT services that underpin all county operations.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and execute a comprehensive IT strategy aligned with the County Government's strategic plan and public service goals.
- Oversee the design, implementation, and maintenance of the county's IT infrastructure, networks, and systems to ensure optimal performance, reliability, and scalability.
- Lead digital transformation initiatives, including the adoption of new technologies and the modernization of existing systems to enhance service delivery and operational efficiency.
- Establish and enforce robust cybersecurity policies, procedures, and controls to protect the county's data, systems, and digital assets from threats.
- Manage the IT department's budget, resources, and personnel, fostering a high-performance culture and promoting professional development.
- Collaborate with county departments and external stakeholders to identify technology needs and implement solutions that meet their requirements.
- Ensure compliance with all relevant national and international IT regulations, data protection laws, and government standards.
- Evaluate and recommend new technologies, software, and hardware solutions to improve productivity, security, and citizen engagement.
- Oversee vendor management, contract negotiations, and service level agreements for all IT-related procurements.
- Provide expert guidance and thought leadership on all technology-related matters to the County Executive Committee and other senior officials.
Required Skills
- Strategic IT Planning and Execution
- Advanced Cybersecurity Management
- Enterprise Architecture and Systems Integration
- IT Project and Program Management
- Budgeting and Financial Management for IT
- Leadership and Team Development
- Stakeholder Communication and Engagement
- Data Governance and Analytics
- Vendor Management and Contract Negotiation
- Digital Transformation Leadership
Preferred Qualifications
- Master's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Business Administration, or a related field.
- Certifications such as PMP, ITIL, CISM, CISSP, or equivalent.
- Demonstrated experience in a CIO or equivalent senior IT leadership role within a public sector organization or a large, complex enterprise.
- Familiarity with government-specific IT challenges and solutions, including GIS systems, e-governance platforms, and public finance management systems.
- Proven track record of successfully implementing large-scale IT projects and driving digital change.
Perks & Benefits
- Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
- Generous annual leave and sick leave provisions.
- Robust medical insurance coverage.
- Opportunities for continuous professional development and training.
- Contribution to a defined-benefit pension scheme.
- A stimulating work environment focused on public service and community impact.
- Opportunity to lead significant digital transformation initiatives within a vibrant county.
How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates are invited to submit their applications online through the official Elgeyo-Marakwet County Public Service Board portal. Please ensure your application includes a detailed CV, a cover letter outlining your suitability for the role, and copies of your academic and professional certificates. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview. Please click on the application link below to proceed with your application.