Kenya is Positioning Itself as a Launchpad for Africa’s Digital Transformation
The Principal Secretary for ICT and Digital Economy Eng. John Tanui has reiterated Kenya’s commitment to shaping the country’s digital transformation through sustainable innovation and development.
“We are not merely participants in the global digital economy—we are actively shaping it. As Kenya positions itself as a launchpad for Africa’s digital transformation, we remain committed to values of openness, sustainability, inclusivity and innovation.
As the Government of Kenya, we see digital transformation not as a luxury but as an imperative for inclusive development, global competitiveness and sustainable progress. Guided by our Digital Master Plan 2022–2032, the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) and our National ICT Policy, our vision is clear: to position Kenya as the destination of choice for technology investment and innovation in Africa and the world," said Eng. Tanui.
The PS spoke Wednesday when he delivered his keynote address during the 2nd International Conference on Convergent and Smart Systems (ICCSS 2025) held at the Hyatt Place in Nairobi.
The two-day conference was organized by Pioneer International University (PIU), Research Innovation Hub and Chosun University and was graced by PIU Vice Chancellor, Prof. Gideon Maina, J.K.
The PS noted that Kenya is not just committed to becoming a digital leader but is actively laying the groundwork, investing in its people and creating an enabling environment for innovation to flourish.
“As the Ministry of Information, Communication and The Digital Economy, we pledge our continued support to all initiatives that will make Kenya a global leader in smart systems and digital transformation,
Our participation in this conference reinforces our dedication to learning from global best practices, sharing our own experiences and collectively shaping a future where technology empowers all,” said Eng. Tanui.
He highlighted that the conference provides an invaluable platform for forging these crucial partnerships where he urged all global experts, policymakers, academia and industry leaders to engage in meaningful discussions, explore synergies and identify concrete opportunities for collaboration.
“To our youth, researchers and innovators: your time is now. Kenya’s digital future is being built today, and we are counting on you to lead with purpose and imagination. This conference comes at a defining moment, the technologies we discuss here—AI, robotics, 6G, smart systems—will determine the quality of life for future generations,
We must ensure that these tools are used not just to power machines but to empower humanity. Your dedication to advancing digital intelligence and convergent technologies is what gives this conference its significance—not just for research and academic excellence, but for real-world impact,” added Eng. Tanui.
On his part, Prof. Maina noted that this year’s conference, under the timely theme "Navigating the Convergence of Smart Systems" invites us to engage in bold conversations, explore cutting-edge research and deepen our understanding of how integrated smart technologies are reshaping the future.
“From Artificial Intelligence and Robotics to Smart Infrastructure and digital health, the convergence systems across sectors are not only transformative -it is inevitable,” said Prof. Maina.
The International Conference on Convergence and Smart Systems is a vital meeting point for academics, researchers and industry professionals to delve into the latest advancements in smart collaboration.
It promotes interdisciplinary collaboration, providing insights into AI, Internet of Things, robotics and data science, hence playing a pivotal role in advancing knowledge and fostering innovation in the field of convergent and smart systems.