Kenya showcases AI and digital transformation agenda at GITEX Conference in Nairobi

By:  Kanto Kai Okanta

Kenya has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing digital transformation and artificial intelligence innovation during the AI Everything Kenya X GITEX Kenya Conference held in Nairobi, where senior government officials outlined the country’s progress and future priorities in the digital economy.

The Principal Secretary for ICT and Digital Economy, Eng. John Kipchumba Tanui, delivered a keynote address highlighting Kenya’s national digital transformation agenda and Africa’s expanding role in the global artificial intelligence ecosystem. He emphasized the importance of establishing a supportive policy and regulatory environment to enable responsible AI development, digital inclusion, and the adoption of emerging technologies.

The ICT Authority Chief Executive Officer, Jessy Maruti, also participated in the conference, joining a high-level panel discussion on Africa’s preparedness for the AI economy. He stressed the need for increased investment in digital infrastructure, AI skills development, and talent training to ensure the continent remains competitive in the evolving global technology landscape.

Maruti noted that artificial intelligence has become a foundational technology, comparing its current significance to electricity in the early 20th century and broadband in the 2000s. He argued that countries that invest early in AI infrastructure and human capital will be best positioned to shape future global economic systems.

He further outlined Kenya’s digital progress, citing the deployment of more than 30,000 kilometres of fibre optic infrastructure, the establishment of over 2,100 public Wi-Fi hotspots, the rollout of 1,450 digital hubs, and the training of more than 1.2 million citizens in digital skills over the past three years. He also pointed to ongoing integration of digital literacy into the national education curriculum.

The CEO underscored the importance of developing locally relevant AI solutions tailored to African languages, contexts, and socio-economic conditions, while equipping young people with skills in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, cloud computing, data science, and software engineering.

The conference brought together policymakers, innovators, investors, and global technology leaders, including Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, GITEX Global CEO Trixie LohMirmand, and Kenya’s Special Envoy on Technology, Ambassador Philip Thigo, reinforcing Nairobi’s growing position as a regional hub for digital innovation.