Former ICT Cabinet Secretary Margaret Nyambura Ndung’u has been appointed senior researcher and digital policy specialist at the Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) Safeguards Strategic Advisory Board, a United Nations-backed initiative led by the UN Office for Digital and Emerging Technologies (ODET) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
Nyambura announced the news on her LinkedIn page, expressing gratitude and enthusiasm for her new role. “Feeling honored to join brilliant minds on the DPI Safeguards Strategic Advisory Board, steered by UNDP and ODET. Together, we’ll guide policy, forge partnerships, and support countries in mainstreaming safeguards that leave no one behind,” she stated.
The DPI Safeguards Board is tasked with offering independent guidance on the design, implementation, and evolution of global digital public infrastructure. Key responsibilities include advising on policy, mobilizing diverse stakeholders, addressing emerging risks, and promoting public education on digital governance.
“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,” Nyambura added.
Nyambura is a seasoned expert in digital technologies, with a strong background in internet infrastructure, AI, cybersecurity, and data governance. She has been instrumental in shaping digital transformation policies across Africa, including co-authoring the African Union Data Policy Framework and designing training modules for both the Pan African University and 30 internet governance schools across the continent.
Her previous roles include consulting for the ICT Authority under the Education Ministry and serving as a senior research manager in the Gender Justice in STEM Research in Africa (GeJuSTA) project.
Nyambura briefly served in President William Ruto’s Cabinet following the 2024 Gen Z-led protests, where she was appointed ICT Cabinet Secretary. However, she was replaced five months later by former Kiambu Governor William Kabogo and subsequently nominated as Kenya’s High Commissioner to Ghana, a role she declined due to personal and family reasons.
Her new position at the UN underscores her continued influence in shaping ethical, inclusive, and sustainable digital policy at a global level.
Written By Rodney Mbua
