Republic of Kenya President William Ruto, today, chaired the first paperless Cabinet meeting, kicking off a major government digitisation drive. Cabinet Secretaries arrived at State House, Nairobi, without traditional folders, briefcases and paper files. In the Cabinet room, they made use of secured portable digital devices connected to their files, memos and a secure notebook to take notes with in the meeting without leaving the devices. This move is expected to significantly reduce the cost of printing and enhance security of Cabinet records.
President Ruto said the digitisation of cabinet meetings was a clear signal that the Government was going digital. He said it will enhance service delivery by fostering efficiency and eliminating unnecessary bureaucracy in government.
“Kenyans will be able to access government services from anywhere, from their home or offices, without having to go unnecessarily to government offices and wait in long queues,” he said. A paperless system is in line with President Ruto’s climate change initiative.
Why is this a big deal?
African leaders are wont to making the operating costs of their governments sadistically high and stuff like stationery (papers, notepads, biro, printers in some cases) have long contributed to the outrageous figures in government budgets. Nigeria, for instance has battled an over inflated budget directly linked to the excessive overhead cost of items such as purchase of stationery and importation of basic items like toothpicks.