Former ICT Cabinet Secretary Margaret Nyambura Ndung'u has landed a key global role as a senior researcher and digital policy specialist at the Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) Safeguards Strategic Advisory Board, a high-level initiative backed by the United Nations Development Programme and the Office for Digital and Emerging Technologies (ODET).

The board is tasked with providing independent guidance on the adoption and rollout of a global framework for digital infrastructure, while shaping its future direction.

Its work includes supporting governments in implementing safeguards, engaging stakeholders, responding to emerging digital risks, and boosting public awareness.

Nyambura shared the news on her LinkedIn page, expressing gratitude for the opportunity and the platform to shape global digital governance.

“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 said.

She added that her focus will be on building strong outreach campaigns and harnessing her wide networks across Kenya, Africa and globally to strengthen public understanding of the framework and its wider implications.

“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,” she said.

A long-time authority in the ICT sector, Nyambura brings extensive experience in internet infrastructure, cybersecurity, AI, machine learning, and data governance.

She has played a key role in driving the African Union’s digital transformation strategy across sectors like education, health and agriculture.

Among her notable achievements is the development and rollout of the African Union Data Policy Framework, coordination of a six-module Internet Governance course taught in 30 national and regional institutions, and the design of a 10-module curriculum for the Pan African University Institute focused on digital skills.

She previously worked at the Education Ministry as a consultant with the ICT Authority and served as Senior Research Manager in Gender Justice in STEM Research in Africa (GeJuSTA).

Nyambura was among the fresh appointees brought into President William Ruto’s Cabinet following the Gen Z-led protests of 2024. She was named ICT Cabinet Secretary during the reshuffle that aimed to inject new ideas into government.

However, just five months later, she was replaced by former Kiambu Governor William Kabogo and was then nominated to serve as Kenya’s High Commissioner to Ghana, a role she eventually declined, citing personal and family reasons.