Department of Strategic Partnerships, ICT and Digital Economy
PROFILE
DEPARTMENTAL MANDATE
The mandate of the department of Strategic Partnerships, ICT and Digital Economy is to ensure formulation of policies and laws that will facilitate effective development of strategic partnerships, mobilization of financial, technical and material resources, promotion of digital economy, improvement of ICT systems and processes and integration of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in county departments and agencies to facilitate sustainable development of Busia County. The department derives its mandate from H.E the Governor’s Executive Order No. 1/2023.
Vision statement and mission
To make Busia County a digitally competitive economy. The department’s mission is to facilitate access of services in Busia County through developed ICT infrastructure, while utilizing the digital space opportunities in enhancement of partnerships, resource mobilization and efficient service delivery.
Strategic Objectives
The Strategic objectives for the Department are to:
1. Facilitate the coordination of programs within the department.
2. Establish, develop, maintain and promote use of ICT systems and processes.
3. Facilitate transformation to digital business models and markets across all sectors and industries in the county.
4. Mobilize financial, materials and technical resources for county development.
5. Identify, initiate, promote and manage partnerships with government institutions, private sector, foundations, civil society, bilateral and other players for synergistic development of the county.
FUNCTIONAL UNITS
The functions of the department are executed through two directorates, namely:
· Directorate of Resource Mobilization & Strategic Partnerships
· Directorate of ICT and Digital Economy
DIRECTORATE OF RESOURCE MOBILIZATION & STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS
Mandate
The Directorate of Resource Mobilization and Strategic Partnerships is the first point of entry for those looking to invest or establish community development projects and programs in Busia County. The Directorate is a one-stop shop for information and resources on investment and development opportunities in the County. Its core mandate is to establish, nurture, and manage collaborative relationships with key stakeholders including, government agencies, private investors, international organizations, community groups and other stakeholders. In addition, the directorate is responsible for formulating policies and laws that facilitate effective development of strategic partnerships, mobilization of resources and mainstreaming of SDGs in the county’s programs and processes.
Key Services
Partnership Development: We build sustainable partnerships, optimize resource allocation, and enhance the capacity of the departments to mobilize resources for their programs and projects. We also facilitate the development of formal instruments of engagement between the County Government of Busia and its partners. These include Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) and Cooperation Agreements. Additionally, we monitor
Advisory Services: We research on lucrative investment opportunities in the county and provide accurate information that help our potential investors and development partners make informed decisions. We have an elaborate system for promptly responding to partner questions, including pointing them to potentially lucrative investment opportunities, linking them with our service departments and supporting them to navigate through the various regulatory frameworks and requirements.
Capacity Building: We guide partners and investors to ensure that their businesses and programs are aligned with the County Integrated Development Plans and other national and global frameworks including Vision 2030 and the Global Agenda for Sustainable Development (SDGs). In addition, we provide capacity support to departmental staff in areas related to SDGs mainstreaming, proposal development, donor relations, project design, monitoring, evaluation and reporting. These enables them to better understand how to maintain positive relationships with our partners and investors.
Resource Mobilization: We identify funding and other resource opportunities and develop concept notes and proposals aligned to specific departmental initiatives. We collaborate with partners to pool resources and expertise, and act as the primary liaison between the county departments and partners. This ensures clear communication, coordination, and alignment of efforts by all actors.
DIRECTORATE OF ICT AND DIGITAL ECONOMY
Mandate
The Directorate of ICT and Digital Economy is responsible for developing and managing the County’s ICT infrastructure, systems, policies and processes. The Directorate manages automation of all county services and enhancement of connectivity in the county.
FUNCTIONS
IT Infrastructure Management: Oversee the development, implementation, and maintenance of IT infrastructure, including hardware, software and networks. The ICT directorate has continuously managed the county website, the county revenue automation system and the county health services management system
Information Security: Implement and manage security measures to protect county data and systems from cyber threats.
System Development and Integration: oversee the development, integration and maintain software applications and systems to meet County needs.
User Support and Services: Provide technical support and services to users, including troubleshooting, training, and help desk services.
Data Management: Manage data storage, backup, and retrieval systems, ensuring data integrity and availability.
IT Governance: Establish policies, standards, and procedures for IT operations, ensuring compliance with regulations and best practices.
Promotion of digital economic model: Facilitate the transformation to digital business models and markets across all sectors and industries including promotion of digital literacy programs.
Development of ICT policies: Initiate the development of the county’s ICT policies, programs and processes. The directorate is responsible for formulating relevant ICT policies, guidelines, frameworks and regulations that will enhance leveraging the digital economy space in the county.
E-Commerce: The Directorate promotes e-commerce and maintains the county’s digital skills registers charged with directory in the county. It designs and implements county-wide digital literacy programs collaboratively with other stakeholders NGOs, County and National VTCs, other colleges and universities.