Ministry of Info, Comms & The Digital Economy KE

Kenya’s growing recognition as one of the world’s leading business process outsourcing (BPO) destinations highlights the country’s rising strength in the global digital economy. The latest Ataraxis Global Outsourcing Index ranks Kenya 11th worldwide and among Africa’s top outsourcing hubs, reflecting the country’s progress in building a competitive and innovation-driven digital environment. The ranking is largely attributed to Kenya’s youthful and highly skilled workforce, strong English proficiency, affordable labour market, and improving digital infrastructure. Combined with a stable business climate, these advantages continue to attract international companies seeking reliable outsourcing and technology-enabled services. Beyond global recognition, the achievement demonstrates Kenya’s increasing role as a center for digital employment, innovation, and investment. As the country expands its digital economy agenda, new opportunities are emerging for young people through online work, business process outsourcing, and other technology-driven industries that contribute to inclusive economic growth. To strengthen its ambition of becoming one of the world’s top five outsourcing destinations, Kenya must continue investing in advanced digital skills such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, cloud computing, software engineering, and customer experience management. Greater collaboration between industry, TVET institutions, and the private sector, alongside expansion of rural digital hubs and practical training programs, will further position Kenya as a trusted global source of digital talent.

Eng. Tanui further stated that reducing duplicative taxation and streamlining ICT infrastructure costs would attract greater private sector investment and lower the cost of digital services for Kenyans. He also praised the Senate ICT Committee, led by TransNzoia Senator Allan Chesang, and the ICT Authority under CEO Jessy Maruti, for their continued legislative and strategic support in advancing Kenya’s digital transformation agenda. “Let us harness this momentum to dismantle the barriers standing in the way of our Digital Superhighway and build a more connected, inclusive, and digitally empowered Kenya,” added Eng. Tanui. #DigitalEconomy #DigitalTransformation

The Principal Secretary for ICT and the Digital Economy, Eng. John Tanui, CBS, has called for urgent harmonization of ICT infrastructure, emerging technologies, and legislative frameworks to strengthen Kenya’s position as a leading regional digital hub. He noted that despite significant progress under the Government’s Digital Superhighway agenda, several legislative and fiscal challenges continue to slow down implementation efforts. Speaking on behalf of the Cabinet Secretary for Information, Communications and the Digital Economy, H.E. Hon. William Kabogo, during the ICT Sector Stakeholders’ Engagement Retreat at Lake Naivasha Resort, Eng. Tanui highlighted key milestones already achieved. These include plans to roll out 100,000 kilometers of fibre optic cable and establish 25,000 public Wi-Fi hotspots across the country to expand digital access and connectivity. The PS emphasized the need to eliminate double taxation within the telecommunications sector, noting that overlapping national licensing requirements and expensive county wayleave charges have increased the cost of doing business and hindered rural network expansion. He reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to promoting infrastructure sharing, strengthening intergovernmental coordination, and standardizing infrastructure costs to support affordable and efficient ICT deployment.

The Principal Secretary in the State Department for ICT and the Digital Economy, Eng. John Tanui, CBS, has reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to accelerating the growth of the digital economy by creating an enabling environment for data centre operators and cloud service providers. Speaking at a consultative forum, Eng. Tanui emphasized the government’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for digital investment and innovation. According to the PS, Kenya is increasingly becoming a preferred destination for global data centres and Artificial Intelligence infrastructure. This growth is being driven by strong investment in digital systems, expanding internet connectivity, supportive regulations, renewable energy potential, and rising regional demand for cloud and AI services. Eng. Tanui explained that Kenya is emerging as the digital gateway to Eastern and Central Africa. The country already hosts several world-class carrier-neutral and enterprise data centres operated by companies such as Safaricom, Oracle, Liquid Intelligent Technologies, and other major industry players, alongside the Konza National Data Center. The government has also invested heavily in terrestrial fiber infrastructure to strengthen nationwide digital transformation and regional integration. International technology firms are now increasingly viewing Kenya as a strategic location for cloud services, AI workloads, enterprise hosting, and broader digital service delivery across Africa. During the meeting, stakeholders from Konza National Data Centre, ICT Authority, Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), Office of the Data Protection Commissioner (ODPC), Liquid Telcom, Safaricom, Oracle, iColo, Atlantis, TESPOK and the Special Economic Zones Authority discussed policies and regulatory measures needed to encourage investment in data centres and cloud services. The PS noted that Oracle’s decision to establish a cloud region in Kenya reflects growing international confidence in the country’s long-term digital and technological potential. #DigitalEconomy

Principal Secretary for ICT and the Digital Economy, Eng. John Tanui, CBS, today engaged digital content creators, media innovators, and production professionals in discussions aimed at strengthening Kenya’s fast-growing creative economy. The meeting brought together notable digital personalities, including Presenter Kai, Diana Yegon, and Mwangi Josiah Mwangi of Vista Digital Studios Ke, who are contributing to the growth of digital hosting, media production, and online audience engagement in Kenya. The engagement also highlighted the growing influence of localized digital journalism and micro-journalism platforms. Mary Sonny of Nairobi Daily demonstrated how digital-first storytelling is reshaping news consumption patterns while creating employment and income opportunities for young people through online content creation and platform monetization. Speaking during the meeting, PS Tanui noted that the creative economy has emerged as one of Kenya’s fastest-growing sectors, driven by innovation, increased internet connectivity, and rising demand for online content. He emphasized that under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) and the Digital Superhighway pillar, the Government is focused on supporting digital creators and innovators to transform talent into sustainable businesses and jobs. The PS further reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to expanding digital infrastructure, improving monetization opportunities, and strengthening partnerships with global technology firms such as Google, TikTok, and Meta. With smartphone penetration now exceeding 83 percent and Kenya’s digital content industry valued at more than Sh1.27 trillion, he said the Government’s vision is to turn creativity into careers, content into commerce, and digital innovation into a key driver of economic transformation. #DigitalEconomy

Located at Konza Technopolis, Kenya-AIST is expected to support Kenya’s economic transformation through talent development, research commercialization, advanced manufacturing, and emerging technologies. The institution is also expected to attract strategic investments, strengthen innovation ecosystems, and create globally competitive opportunities for Kenyan youth. Later, the PS chaired a strategic meeting with the leadership of Konza Technopolis Development Authority led by CEO John Paul Okwiri following the Presidential assent to the Technopolis Act. The meeting focused on expanding KTDA’s mandate in smart city development, digital infrastructure, artificial intelligence, cloud technologies, and innovation-led enterprise growth, reaffirming the government’s commitment to leveraging technology and innovation for inclusive economic transformation and global competitiveness. #DigitalEconomy #DigitalTransformation #siliconsavannah

The Principal Secretary for the State Department for ICT and the Digital Economy, Eng. John Tanui, held a series of high-level strategic meetings aimed at advancing Kenya’s digital transformation agenda, strengthening innovation ecosystems, and positioning the country as a globally competitive knowledge economy. The engagements brought together leadership from The Open University of Kenya, Kenya Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, and Konza Technopolis Development Authority. During the first engagement, the PS met the management of The Open University of Kenya led by Vice Chancellor Elijah Omwenga and Council Chair Ezra Maritim. Discussions focused on strengthening the university’s future as Kenya’s premier public digital university and expanding its role in delivering flexible, technology-driven higher education. With more than 30,000 students enrolled, the university was recognized for its contribution to democratizing access to education through digital learning systems. The meeting explored ways of increasing enrollment, enhancing global reach, strengthening digital learning ecosystems, and developing industry-responsive academic programmes aligned to emerging market demands. The PS emphasized the importance of public-private partnerships and industry-linked learning pathways in expanding access to quality higher education. He noted that borderless digital education models could help position Kenya as a regional and global talent hub for the digital economy. In another engagement, Eng. Tanui met the executive management team of Kenya Advanced Institute of Science and Technology following the institution’s recent award of a Presidential Charter. Led by Acting Principal Jennifer Khamasi, the discussions focused on operationalizing the institution as a world-class centre for advanced science, technology, research, and innovation.

𝐊𝐞𝐧𝐲𝐚 𝐂𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐀𝐈-𝐃𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐧, 𝐀𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐧-𝐂𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐅𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐁𝐫𝐨𝐚𝐝𝐜𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐭 𝐄𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐀𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 Kenya has reaffirmed its commitment to building a modern, innovative and inclusive broadcasting ecosystem as the country hosted the 5th Broadcasters Convention East Africa in Nairobi under the theme “Reimagining Next: AI, Cloud, and the Future of Broadcast in Africa.” Speaking during the official opening of the convention, Principal Secretary for Broadcasting and Telecommunications, Mr Stephen Isaboke, EBS, said Africa’s broadcasting industry is entering a new era increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence, cloud computing, digital platforms and data-driven technologies that are transforming how content is created, distributed and consumed. Read more: ict.go.ke/kenya-calls-ai…

The journey of PS for Youth Affairs and Creative Economy, Mr @fikirini_jacobs, is truly inspiring. From humble beginnings in Bamba to serving the people of Kenya at the national level, his story is a powerful example of resilience, determination and service. Honoured to have joined distinguished leaders at Mnagoni Primary School in Bamba, Kilifi County, for his homecoming ceremony, graced by H.E. President Dr @WilliamsRuto. His story is a reminder to all of us, and especially the young people across Kenya that no dream is too distant and no beginning too small when matched with purpose, hard work and belief in oneself.

Hosted Dr Fiona Asonga, Chief Executive Officer of @TESPOK_KENYA, earlier today when she paid me a courtesy call. We discussed key issues around broadband expansion, connectivity and continued growth within the ICT sector. @TESPOK_KENYA continues to play an important role in advancing Kenya’s telecommunications and digital ecosystem through collaboration across industry stakeholders.

Additionally, the PS stressed the importance of governance and digital trust in supporting responsible outsourcing practices. He assured that the government would provide necessary policy support, infrastructure, and governance frameworks, including data protection and Artificial Intelligence governance. Eng. Tanui also called on private sector partners to enhance mentorship, internships, and job placement opportunities, urging young people to embrace digital skills and capitalize on opportunities in the global digital economy. "The launch is a significant milestone in Kenya’s journey toward inclusive digital transformation and job creation. The initiative will unlock thousands of digital jobs and strengthen the country’s competitiveness in the global digital economy, " added PS Tanui. #DigitalEconomy #DigitalTransformation #siliconsavannah

The Government has launched the "Digital Outsourcing Jobs for Kenya’s Youth" initiative, aiming to enhance digital job opportunities for the youth by collaborating with international and private sector partners. This initiative is designed to equip young people with market-driven digital skills and facilitate their connection to global outsourcing prospects. Eng. John Tanui, the Principal Secretary of the State Department for ICT and The Digital Economy, emphasized that this program aligns with Kenya’s broader digital transformation agenda, as outlined in the Digital Master Plan (2022–2032) and the Digital Economy Blueprint. These frameworks prioritize digital skills development and youth employment. The initiative builds on existing programs like Ajira Digital and Jitume Digital hubs, which have already shown the potential of digital work to create job opportunities for young people. The new partnerships are expected to enhance these efforts nationally, linking trained youth to jobs in the global market. Eng. Tanui highlighted that the initiative is part of ongoing efforts to boost digital infrastructure, promote innovation, and foster an environment conducive to entrepreneurship and digital employment. He stated that the program aims to position Kenya as a trusted global hub for Information Technology and Business Services. Youth empowerment is a primary focus of the initiative, with over 70 percent of Kenya's population being young people. The program intends to bridge the gap between training and employment, ensuring that digital skills lead to sustainable livelihoods. The government has committed to inclusivity by integrating women, persons with disabilities, and marginalized communities into digital skilling opportunities.

𝐊𝐞𝐧𝐲𝐚 𝐂𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐒𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐈𝐧𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐃𝐢𝐠𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐀𝐠𝐞 Kenya has reaffirmed the critical role of credible science communication, information integrity and responsible digital governance in strengthening public trust and safeguarding democracy in an increasingly complex digital environment. Speaking during a Breakout Session on Science Communication and Public Trust in the Age of Misinformation at the Science, Technology, Research and Innovation for Society Week (STRI4Society) 2026, yesterday, Principal Secretary for Broadcasting and Telecommunications, @SteveIsaboke said the rapid transformation of global communication systems through social media, artificial intelligence and digital platforms has fundamentally altered how information is created, distributed and consumed.

𝐏𝐒 𝐈𝐬𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐤𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐊𝐈𝐂𝐀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬 Kenya’s communications and digital regulatory framework continues to undergo significant reforms aimed at keeping pace with emerging technologies, evolving market dynamics and constitutional requirements. Read more: ict.go.ke/ps-isaboke-com…

𝐏𝐒 𝐈𝐬𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐤𝐞 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐀𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐨𝐟 𝐁𝐫𝐨𝐚𝐝𝐜𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 Principal Secretary for Broadcasting and Telecommunications, @SteveIsaboke today held a courtesy meeting with officials from the National Association of Professional Broadcasters (NAPB), where discussions focused on strengthening professionalism, ethical standards and excellence within the broadcasting industry. Read more: ict.go.ke/ps-isaboke-sup…

He added that the Ministry was now working on the data governance framework, which is a key foundation for AI. To upscale AI skilling, the PS stated that the Government is working with universities and other institutions of higher learning. “Just last week the Kenya Advanced Institute of Science and Technology was awarded with a charter. The institute will be driving our research and is modelled after the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology,” said the PS. The PS concluded by stating that the Government will continue working with many partners to ensure that it builds the next generation of technology startups. “As a ministry, we are going to be proud, we take this as one of the important events in our sector, and you have the support of our ministry and our leadership,” said the PS. The conference was also graced by Nairobi Governor, Johnson Sakaja, Kenya's Tech Envoy Philip Thigo, ICT Authority CEO Jesse Maruti and GITEX Global CEO, Trixie Loh Mirmand. The conference has over 15,000 tech executives from over 75 countries which brings together stakeholders in AI, cybersecurity, health-tech, smart cities, and cloud computing, creating opportunities for investment and collaboration. #AIGovernance #DigitalEconomy #DigitalTransformation #siliconesavannah

Kenya is hosting one of Africa’s largest public-private Artificial Intelligence (AI) events, the Ai Everything GITEX Kenya conference, from May 19–21, 2026. The event brings together governments, enterprises, startups, and investors to explore AI innovation, accelerate digital transformation, and promote investment opportunities across Africa and beyond. The conference comes at a time when Kenya is increasingly positioning itself as a leading destination for technology investment. Speaking during the opening ceremony, the Principal Secretary for the State Department for ICT and the Digital Economy, Eng. John Tanui, thanked the organizers for choosing Kenya as a host saying it is a timely conversation as the country and continent at large are emerging as a key destination for investment with the region hosting the talent that will lead the next industrial revolution. “We have laid the necessary infrastructure as a nation to ensure that Kenya thrives as a leading tech hub in the continent and the world. We have laid 8 sub-sea cables, and through support from the World Bank we have the Horn of Africa Gateway Connectivity project that seeks to connect Kenya with Ethiopia, Djibouti, South-Sudan and Somalia,” said the PS. “We have also digitized government services. As a country, we have over 22,000 Services that are available serving more than 14.5 million e-Citizen account holders,” added the PS. The PS also stated that in a quest to ensure Kenya has the right policies in place, in March 2025, the Ministry launched the Kenya National AI Strategy 2025-2030 a definitive roadmap to position the country as an AI leader, through ethical governance, data infrastructure, and talent development.

𝐏𝐒 𝐈𝐬𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐤𝐞 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐃𝐢𝐠𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐭 𝐌𝐄𝐓𝐀 𝐄𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐜 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐭 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭 Kenya has made significant progress in laying the foundations of a modern digital economy. Today, the country’s digital economy is valued at approximately USD 4.2 billion and is projected to grow to nearly USD 13 billion by 2035, driven by sustained investments in connectivity, digital services, innovation ecosystems and an increasingly dynamic entrepreneurial landscape. Read more: ict.go.ke/ps-isaboke-cha…