Former Information, Communication and Technology (ICT) Cabinet Secretary Dr. Margaret Nyambura Ndung’u has landed a new role at the United Nations months after she rejected her nomination as Kenya’s High Commissioner to Ghana by President William Ruto.
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in a statement on Thursday, July 31, announced that Ndung’u has been appointed to the Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) Safeguards Strategic Advisory Board at the United Nations.
According to UNDP, the former CS will provide strategic guidance on the adoption, implementation, and long-term development of the universal DPI safeguards framework.
“Thrilled to introduce Dr. Margaret Nyambura Ndung’u, Senior Researcher & Digital Policy Specialist to the DPI Safeguards Strategic Advisory Board,” read part of the statement.
“Margaret provides strategic advice on the adoption, implementation and long-term evolution of the Universal DPI Safeguards Framework.”
UNDP is the United Nations’ global development network, which works in about 170 countries and territories, helping to achieve the eradication of poverty, and the reduction of inequalities and exclusion.
The program helps countries to develop policies, leadership skills, partnering abilities, institutional capabilities and build resilience in order to sustain development results.
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The Universal DPI Safeguards Framework is the product of a collaborative, multi-stakeholder effort aimed at ensuring that DPI implementations effectively mitigate risks at both individual and societal levels, support the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals, and promote trust and equity across all countries.
It is made of digital building blocks that allow governments to provide safe and inclusive services to people at scale.
Margaret Ndung’u speaks after landing new UN role
On her part, Ndung’u while speaking after landing the plum role said she is committed to advising the board on the adoption, implementation, and long-term evolution of the framework and ensuring its governance is both effective and sustainable.
“I am committed to advising on the adoption, implementation, and long-term evolution of the Framework, ensuring its governance is both effective and sustainable. My aim is to play a central role in large-scale dissemination efforts, raise awareness, and drive broad engagement to enhance understanding of the Framework’s significance and its broader impact using my varied networks at the national, continental and international level,” the former CS said.
Ndungu’ served as the Cabinet Secretary for ICT between August and December 2024 before she was replaced by former Kiambu Governor William Kabogo.
In January, Ndung’u declined President Ruto’s nomination as Kenya’s High Commissioner to Ghana in a letter addressed to the Defence and Foreign Relations Committee, which is tasked to vet the President’s ambassadorial nominees.
She officially withdrew her acceptance of the role in the letter after failing to appear before the committee on Friday, January 10, 2025, at 9:00 am.
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Her decision was made public by Belgut Member of Parliament Nelson Koech, who chairs the committee. The former CS cited personal and family issues in declining the offer.
“I would like to give my appreciation for the invitation to appear before the departmental committee on Defence, Intelligence, and Foreign Relations on January 10, 2025. Pursuant to section 6(10) of the Public Appointment Parliamentary Approval Act No.3 of 2011, I wish to inform you that I would not appear before the said committee at the time and venue specified for approval hearing.
This has been compelled by my personal and family matters which matters taking into consideration would not allow me to take up the position as the High Commissioner to Ghana as nominated by President William Ruto,” Nyambura’s letter to the Clerk of the National Assembly read out by MP Nelson Koech stated.
After announcing Nyambura’s decision, lawmaker Nelson Koech urged the Head of Public Service Felix Koskei to consult with candidates before shortlisting them to prevent future instances of nominees declining appointments.
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