Kenya Deepens Global Partnerships to Drive Digital Transformation

Kenya has reinforced its commitment to digital transformation through high-level engagements at the Global Digital Public Infrastructure (GDPI) Summit held in Cape Town, South Africa. The Kenyan delegation was led by Eng. John Kipchumba Tanui, MBS, CBS, Principal Secretary of the State Department of ICT and Digital Economy.

During the summit, the delegation held strategic dialogues with global partners, including the World Bank, GIZ, ITU, and Kenya’s private sector, represented by Dr. James Mwangi, CEO of Equity Group. The discussions focused on deepening collaboration on ongoing initiatives and underscored the critical role of Public–Private Partnerships (PPPs) in accelerating Kenya’s digital innovation agenda.

GIZ highlighted its key interventions under the Digital Transformation Centre, initiatives supporting the Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) industry, and collaboration with the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner (ODPC) on data governance and digital trust. Meanwhile, ITU provided updates on the Open Source Program Office (OSPO) project, where Kenya has been selected as one of only two global pilot countries, alongside Trinidad and Tobago.

The World Bank outlined its comprehensive support framework across three pillars: Digital Infrastructure & Access, Digital Government & Services, and Digital Skills & Markets. These initiatives are designed to strengthen Kenya’s digital foundations and promote inclusive growth. Dr. Mwangi emphasized the importance of building a robust public digital infrastructure through a unified public–private collaboration model to deliver scalable, secure, and sustainable digital solutions.

Eng. Tanui affirmed Kenya’s dedication to fostering trusted, interoperable, and inclusive digital ecosystems. By leveraging strategic global partnerships, the country aims to solidify its position as a continental leader in digital transformation.