Kenya Calls for Inclusive and People-Centred Digital Cooperation at WSIS+20

Kenya has reaffirmed its commitment to inclusive, people-centred digital transformation at the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS)+20 Outcome Review High-Level Meeting in New York.

Delivering Kenya’s statement, Principal Secretary for Broadcasting and Telecommunications, Mr Stephen Isaboke, EBS, underscored that WSIS is also about “people, dignity, opportunity and rights.” He noted that while digital technologies, particularly Artificial Intelligence, are transforming societies at unprecedented speed, global efforts must remain focused on ensuring that no one is left behind.

In his address, PS Isaboke outlined progress made under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda, including the expansion of last-mile broadband connectivity through the Universal Service Fund and the establishment of 1,450 public digital hubs across the country.

He called for stronger and more innovative financing mechanisms to support digital ambitions, stressing that “digital ambition without adequate financing is not sustainable.”

He concluded by reiterating Kenya’s readiness to work with all Member States and stakeholders to define the next phase of global digital cooperation, firmly aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals.

Amb Ekitela Lokaale, Kenya’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Amb Philip Thigo, Special Envoy on Tech and representatives from the Communications Authority of Kenya also attended the session.