Kenya’s First Lady Leads High-Level Talks on Protecting Children in Digital Spaces
The First Lady concluded by calling for collective action to advance a safer and more inclusive digital future for Africa, aligned with broader continental development goals.
Mama Rachel Ruto, First Lady of Kenya, hosted a High-Level Side Event at State House in Nairobi during the Africa Forward Summit, focusing on building safer digital spaces for children in an increasingly AI-driven world.
The event brought together First Ladies, policymakers, development partners, children, and young people to discuss strategies for strengthening child protection in digital environments while ensuring inclusive participation in shaping the future of technology.
In her remarks, Mama Rachel Ruto emphasized the need to balance innovation with protection, noting that while digital technologies create significant opportunities for learning and communication, they can also expose children to risks if safeguards are not strengthened.
“As technology continues to shape the way children learn, communicate, and understand the world around them, we must ensure that innovation never outpaces protection,” she said, stressing the urgency of responsible digital development.
She highlighted the importance of centering children’s voices in policy discussions, noting that the “Voice of Children” programme and related partnerships across Africa aim to empower young people not only as beneficiaries of digital progress but also as active contributors to its design.
Participants at the event also discussed the need for stronger child protection frameworks, improved digital literacy, and more inclusive decision-making processes that reflect the realities and needs of children in the digital age.
The First Lady concluded by calling for collective action to advance a safer and more inclusive digital future for Africa, aligned with broader continental development goals.
