Kenya is stepping up efforts to strengthen its digital infrastructure as the government seeks to position the country as a leading technology and connectivity hub in Africa.
Principal Secretary for Broadcasting and Telecommunications Stephen Isaboke said digital infrastructure has become a key part of the economy and the delivery of essential public services.
Isaboke spoke in Nairobi when he officially opened the fourth edition of ITW and Datacloud Africa, a week-long conference that has attracted nearly 2,000 delegates from more than 80 countries.
About half of the participants are drawn from executive and vice president-level leadership, highlighting the growing interest in Africa’s digital economy.
The PS said the strong international turnout was a sign of Nairobi’s growing role as a regional centre for connectivity, cloud computing, data centres and technology investment.
“Digital infrastructure is no longer simply a technology issue. It underpins our economy and the delivery of essential services, and when it fails, the impact extends to livelihoods and public trust,” Isaboke said.
He noted that Kenya’s expansion of digital infrastructure must also focus on security, reliability and the ability to withstand disruptions.
According to Isaboke, issues such as having diverse connectivity routes, cybersecurity, reliable electricity supply and proper data governance will be critical as the country expands its digital networks.
He also pointed to the need for infrastructure that can withstand physical, technological and environmental disruptions.
The government has increasingly linked investment in digital infrastructure to wider economic growth, with Kenya seeking to attract more technology companies and investors into areas such as cloud services, data centres and artificial intelligence.
Principal Secretary for ICT and the Digital Economy John Tanui, who represented Cabinet Secretary for Information, Communications and the Digital Economy William Kabogo during a ministerial breakfast, said Kenya’s digital agenda was designed to support the country’s wider economic ambitions.
Tanui highlighted Kenya’s connectivity journey, from submarine cables to efforts aimed at strengthening digital links across the continent.
“You will be the ones to enable Africa to claim its rightful share of global economic output,” Tanui told conference delegates.
The conference brings together government officials, technology companies, investors and other international stakeholders to discuss developments and investment opportunities in connectivity, cloud computing, data centres, artificial intelligence and other areas of digital infrastructure.
The event also comes as Nairobi continues to attract major technology and digital infrastructure investments, strengthening its reputation as one of Africa’s key technology centres.
Among the high-level delegates attending the conference was Niger’s Minister of Communication and New Information Technologies, Adji Ali Salatou.
The discussions are expected to focus on how African countries can build stronger digital infrastructure while creating an environment that supports investment, innovation and the growth of the continent’s digital economy.
