PS Isaboke Urges Support for Homegrown Brands as Pillars of Kenya’s Global Identity

The Principal Secretary for Broadcasting and Telecommunications, Mr. Stephen Isaboke, EBS, has urged Kenyans to champion homegrown solutions as the foundation for building globally respected brands.

Speaking at the launch of Kenya’s Best Brands 2025 by Brand Africa, where he was Chief Guest, Mr. Isaboke said Kenyan brands are defined by ingenuity, resilience, and ambition. He emphasized the importance of local innovation in shaping national identity and enhancing economic competitiveness.

Brand Africa, a non-profit promoting African brands, revealed through Geopoll and Kantar research that Kenyan brands make up 25% of the most admired within the country—second only to the United States. Standout names include M-Pesa, Safaricom, Equity Bank, Kenya Airways, Tusker, NEMA, Denri, Naivas, Mobius, and Citizen.

The event also honoured Agriculture and Livestock Development CS Hon. Mutahi Kagwe for his service in public leadership.

Mr. Isaboke highlighted the State Department’s role in advancing a connected, informed society through strategic initiatives like the Digital Superhighway programme, which is laying 2,500 km of fibre across 19 counties at a cost of KSh 5 billion. Another KSh 5 billion investment, in partnership with the ICT Authority and Kenya Power, is connecting 3,800 public institutions to last-mile internet infrastructure.

These efforts are bringing high-speed connectivity to rural areas, enabling entrepreneurs to innovate and scale homegrown brands. Notable examples include Mobius, the locally developed vehicle, and Denri, a fashion brand rising from grassroots creativity.

The government is also rolling out 47 ICT Centres of Excellence—one in each county—and 1,450 ICT Hubs across all wards, equipping youth and rural entrepreneurs with training, tools, and platforms to compete globally.

“This digital revolution is about more than just connectivity—it’s about inclusivity, innovation, and opportunity,” said the PS. “We are empowering communities to turn local ideas into world-class brands.”

He concluded by encouraging marketers and communicators to build a legacy where Kenyan brands elevate the nation and amplify Africa’s voice on the global stage.