Government reaffirms private sector partnership in advancing Kenya’s digital economy

By:  Kanto Kai Okanta

The Government of Kenya has reiterated its commitment to strengthening collaboration with the private sector to support innovation, safeguard public interest, and accelerate the growth of Kenya’s digital economy.

Cabinet Secretary for Information, Communications and the Digital Economy, William Kabogo Gitau, made the remarks following a meeting with a delegation from the Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA) ICT Sector Board at the Ministry’s headquarters in Nairobi.

The delegation, led by KEPSA ICT Sector Board Chairman Ben Roberts, engaged the Ministry on practical measures to enhance public-private cooperation in shaping Kenya’s digital transformation agenda.

Discussions focused on the rapid proliferation of artificial intelligence and the importance of sustained dialogue between policymakers and industry players to ensure regulatory frameworks remain progressive. Participants emphasized the need to balance investor confidence with the protection of national interests.

The meeting also addressed the development of reliable and secure data centres, as well as the need for harmonised cross-border data transfer frameworks to support digital trade and innovation.

Digital infrastructure and device affordability featured prominently in the deliberations, with stakeholders highlighting the role of connectivity and access to technology in expanding participation in the digital economy.

Kabogo outlined ongoing government initiatives, including nationwide digital skilling programmes, the planned 100,000-kilometre Digital Superhighway, and the establishment of digital hubs aimed at expanding connectivity and unlocking economic opportunities.

Youth inclusion was identified as a key priority, particularly in the context of increasing digitisation of public and private sector records and services. The participants also discussed sustainable management of electronic waste to ensure environmental considerations keep pace with technological advancement.

The meeting was attended by representatives from industry and sector associations, including KEPSA Vice Chair Brian Omwenga, Fiona Asonga of the Telecommunications Service Providers of Kenya (TESPOK), Adam Lane of Huawei, Rosemary Koech-Kimwatu of KCB, Davis Waithaka of Elimu Holdings, and officials from Safaricom and KEPSA, alongside representatives from the environment sector.