PAUL KIAGE
Nairobi
Summary
Highly motivated and results driven Social Scientist with in-depth knowledge on Universal Service Fund (USF) projects management and implementation spanning 18 years working with the Communications Authority of Kenya. Adept in providing thought leadership in Policy and regulatory matters, including in the management and administration of Universal Service Fund (USF), financial inclusion and digital economy, regulatory monitoring, compliance and reporting, stakeholder collaboration, ICT regulatory analysis, broadcasting, National Broadband Strategy development, financial modeling and calculation of subsidies, ICT market research, economic modelling and implementation of Universal Service Fund (USF) projects that impact communities aimed at bridging the digital divide. Currently serving as the Acting Director, Universal Service Fund, providing strategic leadership across USF strategy development, resource mobilization, financial governance, risk management, stakeholder engagement, and national ICT access initiatives. Demonstrated ability to advise Management, USAC, and the Board, lead high-value programs, strengthen institutional systems, and deliver impactful nationwide connectivity outcomes.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
4
4
Certifications
Work History
Project Manager / Project Monitoring and Evaluation (USO&F)
Communications Authority of Kenya
- Led in the establishment of the first USF pilot projects in Kenya: 16 school ICT pilot projects (2 per each region) and 4 community telecenters established in Chwele, Kitundu, Mutomo and Sabatia in Baringo.
- Led in the development and implementation of a comprehensive M&E frameworks to assess the performance and impact of USF projects.
- Coordinated M&E activities in line with requirement of Public Investment Management (2019) guidelines.
- Provided input towards the formulation of policies and guidelines to ensure compliance with regulatory frameworks and alignment with national development goals.
- Liaised with other government agencies, telecommunications providers, and community organizations to foster partnerships and secure support for M&E initiatives.
- Represented the Authority in meetings, conferences, and forums related to universal access and service.
- Provided guidance on design of monitoring and evaluation tools for the USF projects.
- Conducted cost-benefit analyses to inform strategic decisions.
- Provided input in the development of Fund Project budget estimates and procurement plans.
- Implemented Fund project pre-feasibility activities including the conducting of baselines surveys to inform the development of project concept notes and proposals for approval.
- Managed budgets for M&E initiatives, ensuring efficient resource allocation and utilization.
- Coordinated the formulation and/or review of monitoring and evaluation strategies and mechanisms.
- Identified specific national interest, developing national positions and championing the same at international fora, treaty and non-treaty conferences.
Acting Director
Universal Service Fund
12.2025 - Current
- Advising Management, USAC, and the Board on resource mobilization initiatives, financial management regulations, policies, strategies, procedures, and plans for the Fund.
- Provide leadership and direction in the development, review of policies, procedures and processes governing USF plans.
- Advise Management, USAC and Board on the prospective sources of funding for USF projects including government appropriations, levies, grants and partnerships.
- Lead the development of USF Strategy and the associated implementation plans.
- Oversee the identification of ICT access gaps and formulation of innovative, financially viable interventions to bridge the identified gaps nationally.
- Ensuring prudent financial management of USF resources, including budgeting, utilization, accounting, and statutory reporting.
- Coordinate the billing and collection of USF levy from licensees and mobilizing grants, government appropriations, and partnerships to strengthen national ICT access initiatives.
- Overseeing development of project concept notes, proposals, Management Papers, USAC Papers, and Board Papers.
- Leading monitoring and evaluation of USF Strategy implementation and preparing periodic performance updates to the Management, USAC and the Board.
- Chairing and participated in project steering committees and Contract Implementation Committees (CIT) for enhanced transparency and compliance in the implementation of USF projects.
Deputy Director, Project Development - Universal Service Fund (USF)
Communications Authority of Kenya
01.2022 - 01.2025
- Coordinating the identification of ICT access gaps in areas considered as un-served, under-served and hard-to-serve.
- Developed appropriate digital models arising from the identified ICT gaps to bridge communication gaps across sectors.
- Designing of USF priority projects in Kenya.
- Developed and oversaw the implementation of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and Technical Cooperation Agreements with national and international partners, including Digital Superhighway, Education Broadband, National Police Service Automation, and KICD projects.
- Developed Terms of Reference to facilitate development of approved Fund Projects tender documentation.
- Served as Secretariat to Universal Service Advisory Council (USAC) and Chairman of USF Implementation Committees.
- Led drafting of the USF Operating Manual and USF Framework in Kenya.
- Conducting project inspection and acceptance in partnership with relevant departments and develop relevant report.
- Chairing Fund projects tender evaluation process including Contract Implementation Committees (CIT).
- Undertakes project implementation activities as per the approved project implementation plan and project contracts.
- Undertake reporting on the Fund project milestones in line with the provisions of the Public Investment Management (2019) guidelines.
- Oversee monitoring and implementation of USF projects in accordance with the contracted milestone and develop milestone reports leading to payments.
- Develop Fund Project Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and Technical Cooperation Agreements in liaison with Legal Services for Government projects: Digital Superhighway project, Education Broadband connectivity project, National Police Service Automation project, KICD project etc.
- Coordinates and liaise with project contracted service providers to ensure efficient and effective project deployment.
- Develop Fund Project proposals and concept notes for presentation for approval by Management, USAC and the Board.
Ag. Assistant Director, Universal Service Obligations and Funding (USOF)
Communications Authority of Kenya
01.2015 - 01.2022
- Lead person in the development of USF Operating Manual.
- Lead person in the development of USF Framework in Kenya.
- Long standing member of EACO Working Group 02 on Infrastructure, Connectivity, Sharing and Digital Inclusion.
- Manage the Geographical Information Systems (GIS) data resources to inform project development.
- Conduct project analysis and risk assessment to inform the development of risk management strategies.
- Approve project implementation-milestones reports to inputs into the quarterly periodic reporting to Management, USAC and the Board.
- Develop network analysis reports critical for modeling of voice and data services project.
- Developed USF financial projects modeling.
- Championed effective management of personnel, budget, performance, program quality, employee relations matters and training in conformity with relevant rules, policies and procedures.
- Evaluated regulatory environment to minimize regulatory risks and their impact on USF projects.
- Chaired the development of the National Broadband Strategy (2012-2017) in Kenya.
- Chaired the development of the National Broadband Strategy (2018-2023) in Kenya.
- Led development of strategies to secure favorable implementation of USF in Kenya.
- Managed emerging markets related to USF for meaningful connectivity in Kenya.
- Reviewed and provided comments on key regulatory consultations on Universal Access and Service in Kenya 2011, 2016 and 2022.
- Advises on regulatory, economic and Universal Service Access and Service regulations.
- Met with external consultants on Universal Access and Service-related studies in Kenya.
- Reviewed and provided comments on regulatory consultations Network Cost Studies, The Kenya Communications (Amendment) 2007 and 2009 Act, Infrastructure sharing guidelines, unified licensing frameworks, number portability, subscriber registration and universal access.
- Provide leadership and guidance in the development and institutionalization of policies, procedures and processes governing universal access projects.
- Operational management of the department to ensure efficiency, effectiveness and continuous improvement in USF projects implementation.
- Provide thought leadership and direction in conceptualization, design, implementation and evaluation of Universal Access initiatives.
- Oversight and implementation of MOUs with partner institutions /individuals involved in project implantation.
- Review and monitor the growth and development of the information, communications and technology sector to inform decision-making and contribute to the formulation of policy as may be deemed necessary for implementation of Universal Access service support.
- Coordinate the preparation of and manage the department’s budget.
- Oversee the organization of reporting documents including quarterly and annual reports.
- Forecasting the requirements of Universal Service Fund projects for each financial year and obtaining Board’s approvals.
- Oversees the coordination and the preparation of the USF annual report.
- Oversee the evaluation of the impact of the USF projects on users, businesses and the national economy and provide recommendations.
Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist
African Union APHIA North Eastern Region
04.2004 - 09.2006
- Developed/updated the project monitoring and evaluation plan in accordance with USAID requirements.
- Operationalized and coordinated implementation of the project Monitoring and Evaluation plan including the Project Monitoring Plan, reviewed and updated them appropriately.
- Provided technical guidance and to the APHIA project in developing systematic approaches to improve data quality, recording and reporting, and evaluation to measure improvement, effectiveness, efficiency and reach of project activities.
- Constantly review and advice the Chief of Party and relevant program staff on progress towards the achievement of implementation plans and targets and corrective action.
- Provided technical guidance in development/improvement of project management information systems, data collection tools and databases and ensure they are aligned with GOK/USAID requirements.
- Compiled quarterly, semi and annual reports to the USAID and relevant ad hoc program reports.
- Linked between the county and national level technical assistance projects to identify monitoring and evaluation needs and provide technical guidance as appropriate.
- Developed capacity building plans for SCHMTs in collaboration with county level to improve quality of data, recording, reporting, data analysis and use and basic evaluation techniques.
- Coordinated with provincial and national level project to implement M&E Technical Assistance activities at district level.
- Reviewed monitoring and evaluation plans in all sub-agreements for partners to ensure they meet USG/GoK requirements.
- Developed a systematic approach to identify monitoring and evaluation needs for sub-projects and coordinate capacity building (through, mentorship etc) to address the needs.
- Designed and implemented Monitoring and Evaluation and Learning (MEAL) framework to generate evidence for scaling up high-impact maternal, reproductive and child health interventions.
- Established Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and led quantitative and qualitative data analysis to assess impact and drive programme improvements.
- Worked with government agencies, donors and program teams on MNCH program interventions.
- Developed and implemented strategic communication initiatives to increase awareness, mobilize resources and advocate for stronger policies towards high impact interventions.
- Established regular feedback mechanisms with stakeholders, ensuring that data implementation insights inform policy decisions and improve service delivery to the targeted populations.
- Engaged with relevant government agencies to advocate for evidence-based policy adjustments and program innovations.
Education
M. Arts - Population Studies Population Studies & Research
University of Nairobi
01.1998
B. Arts - Anthropology and Gender Studies
University of Nairobi
01.1995
High School - undefined
Tonga High School
01.1989
Primary School - undefined
Bondo Kosiemo Primary School
01.1985
Skills
Project management
Affiliations
- Monitoring and Evaluation Association in Africa
- Population Association of Kenya
- Population/Population Association of Kenya/Organization of Social Science Research in East Africa
Certification
Strategic Leadership Development Program (SLDP) 2023
Interests
Reading Gender and demographic health research reports, traveling, personal development, football and game watching
References
- Peter, Onyare, Country Director, pohnyare1983@gmail.com, +254 720 337 856, Helen Keller Foundation, Nairobi, Kenya, P.O. Box 30125-00100
- Rosemary, Okello-Orlale, Digital Media, auswokelda@gmail.com, +254 722 75205, Strathmore University
- Duncan, Okello, Commissioner, duncanokello@gmail.com, +254 721 363318, Kenya Human Rights Commission, Nairobi, Kenya, 00100, P.O. Box 30041
Publications
- 1. T. Wolf, C Logan, J. Owiti & P. Kiage: A New Dawn- Popular Optimism in Kenya after the Transition (March 2004)
- 2. Hyde K, Nancy B. and Kiage P. (2000): The Impact of HIV/AIDS on the Education Sector in Uganda.
- 3. Kiage P. and Wasala W. (2002): The Impact of HIV/AIDS on the Attainment of Education in Kenya
- 4. Odera Kiage and Kwame Owino: The Science and Politics of Opinion Polling in Kenya
- 5. Kiage P. (Unpublished Thesis, 1998): Determinants of Maternal Mortality and Morbidity in Kenya
- 6. Kiage P. (2000): Male Involvement in Reproductive Health Programmes in Kenya.
- 7. J.Owiti & P.Kiage (May 2003): Gender Monitoring of 2002 General Elections in Kenya.
Career highlights
- Led the full lifecycle design, strategic planning, resource mobilization, financial modeling, and high-level oversight of Universal Service Fund (USF).
- Oversaw development of key USF operational policies, procedures, manuals, implementation frameworks, GIS-based decision-support tools, and funding strategies in alignment with national priorities and legal frameworks.
- Designed the USF mobile cellular infrastructure projects in Kenya (USF Phase 1,2,3, and 4) and provided oversight on their national rollout, risk assessment, national compliance, and performance reporting to Management, USAC, and the Board.
- Led the design of data verification and monitoring, evaluation and learning guides and tools for USAID PEPFAR global programs implemented by the African Union (AU) Commission in the horn of Africa from 2000 to 2006.
- Led the development and implementation of a monitoring and evaluation system for a multi-year PEPFAR HIV/AIDS grants management and capacity building program and integrated HIV/AIDS RH/FP, TB/HIV program, and accompanying data collection and reporting system.
Timeline
Acting Director
Universal Service Fund
12.2025 - Current
Deputy Director, Project Development - Universal Service Fund (USF)
Communications Authority of Kenya
01.2022 - 01.2025
Ag. Assistant Director, Universal Service Obligations and Funding (USOF)
Communications Authority of Kenya
01.2015 - 01.2022
Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist
African Union APHIA North Eastern Region
04.2004 - 09.2006
Project Manager / Project Monitoring and Evaluation (USO&F)
Communications Authority of Kenya
B. Arts - Anthropology and Gender Studies
University of Nairobi
High School - undefined
Tonga High School
Primary School - undefined
Bondo Kosiemo Primary School
M. Arts - Population Studies Population Studies & Research
University of Nairobi