President Uhuru Kenyatta's digital team launches graft battling website

By Jelimo Chelagat (@Jchelagat)

President Uhuru’s digital team has today launched a new website in keeping with their digital Government mantra.

The new site, www.president.go.ke, went live on Thursday devoid of the usual fanfare expected at the launch of such platforms.  Government social media channels heralded the unveiling of the new-look website giving social media users information about its features.

Built by the Presidential Strategic Communication Unit’s Digital Team and the Branding Directorate, the site features press releases from the Government and information about Kenya.

In addition to information about the Government and its officials, the site incorporates a platform which enables users to report on corruption.

“The launch of the new look website provides us with an opportunity to leverage ICT tools in restoring integrity, accountability and transparency,” Communications Secretary and State House Spokesperson Manoah Esipisu said in a statement to newsrooms.

To report a corruption case, one fills an online form specifying where the incident took place, and which officers were involved. You are also required to give a description of the incident and state which in which county in took place. If you have a photo or a video capturing the corrupt action, you have the option of uploading it on the page.

Users who chose to blow the whistle in anonymity have the opportunity to do so as identifying details are optional.   

The website accords users the opportunity to follow the activities of the President and top Government officials through press releases and photos. You can also book a meeting with top State officials from the site.

According to Dennis Itumbi, who serves as the Director Digital and New Media for the Government, the website's first step is the integration of ICT in Government operations. He said his team aims to lay a framework for digital operations for all state bodies.   

“The idea is to create Internet and social media institutions across Government. We will create institutional brands as opposed to personal channels, so that Presidents and officials who come years after our departure will not be required to create new channels,” Itumbi said.

This new look website replaces www.statehousekenya.go.ke which was heavily criticized by digital media practitioners as archaic and unappealing. During a breakfast meeting with the Editors Guild of Kenya in July, President Uhuru Kenyatta had been challenged to upgrade the Government websites.