Former ICT Cabinet Secretary Margaret Ndung’u Gets Prestigious Global Role at UN
Former Cabinet Secretary for ICT, Margaret Nyambura Ndung’u, has secured a prestigious new position at the international level. She has been appointed as the Senior Researcher and Digital Policy Specialist to the Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) Safeguards Strategic Advisory Board under the United Nations.
This appointment comes just months after Ndung’u turned down a previous nomination by President William Ruto, who had appointed her as Kenya’s High Commissioner to Ghana. She declined the offer, citing personal and urgent family reasons at the time.
Her new role was officially announced by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in a public statement made on Thursday, July 31. The organisation expressed its enthusiasm for bringing Ndung’u on board, highlighting her expertise and the critical role she will play.
“Thrilled to introduce Dr Margaret Nyambura Ndung’u as Senior Researcher & Digital Policy Specialist to the DPI Safeguards Strategic Advisory Board,” read the UNDP’s announcement.
“Margaret will offer strategic guidance on how to adopt, implement, and sustain the Universal DPI Safeguards Framework over the long term.”
Earlier this year, Ndung’u had been expected to appear before the Parliamentary Departmental Committee on Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Relations on January 10 for a vetting session regarding her diplomatic nomination. However, she formally declined the appointment in writing.
In a letter to the committee, she referenced Section 16 of the Public Appointments (Parliamentary Approval) Act No. 3 of 2011, stating:
“I wish to inform you that I will not appear before the said committee at the time and venue specified for the approval hearing.”
In her new position at the UN, Dr. Ndung’u will be responsible for offering expert advice on how countries and institutions can adopt and apply the Universal DPI Safeguards Framework effectively and sustainably. This framework is designed to ensure responsible development and governance of digital public infrastructure globally.
Speaking after accepting the role, Dr. Ndung’u reaffirmed her full commitment to the new responsibilities and pledged to use her experience and connections to support the UN’s mission.
“My goal is to take an active leadership role in promoting the DPI Safeguards Framework globally. I want to raise awareness and inspire wide engagement around its importance. I will also use my networks across Kenya, Africa, and the wider international community to create a deeper understanding of the framework’s impact,” she stated.
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the global development arm of the United Nations. It operates in nearly 170 countries and territories around the world. Its mission is to help countries eliminate poverty, reduce inequality, and strengthen institutional capacity.
Through its work, the UNDP supports nations in developing effective policies, improving leadership, building partnerships, and increasing resilience, all with the goal of achieving long-lasting development results.
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