By: Nana Appiah Acquaye
Kenya and the International
Telecommunication Union (ITU) have reaffirmed their commitment to advancing
digital transformation, with discussions focusing on artificial intelligence
governance, data sovereignty, affordable connectivity and digital skills development.
The discussions took place
between Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Information, Communications and The
Digital Economy, Hon. William Kabogo Gitau, and Dr. Cosmas Zavazava, Director
of the ITU Telecommunication Development Bureau (BDT).
During the meeting, the two
leaders reviewed progress made through the longstanding partnership between
Kenya and the ITU and identified priority areas to support Kenya’s digital
future.
Key areas of focus included
strengthening AI governance frameworks, promoting responsible use of data,
expanding affordable connectivity and building digital capacity to ensure more
citizens can participate in the digital economy.
Kenya’s progress in
connectivity and its forward-looking regulatory approaches were highlighted
during the engagement, with discussions also focusing on scaling the country’s
plan to establish a digital hub in every ward to bring digital skills, services
and opportunities closer to communities.
Kabogo emphasized the
importance of developing quality, locally relevant data ecosystems, noting that
artificial intelligence solutions must reflect African realities and contexts
to deliver fair and meaningful outcomes.
The Cabinet Secretary
expressed appreciation for the ITU’s continued support and said Kenya looks
forward to deepening collaboration with the organization in advancing inclusive
digital development.
