Kenya is stepping up efforts to position itself as a regional digital powerhouse through new international partnerships aimed at expanding artificial intelligence (AI), digital skills and trade opportunities.
Information, Communications and the Digital Economy Cabinet Secretary William Kabogo on Thursday held separate high-level meetings with the leadership of the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) and a Japanese artificial intelligence delegation as the government intensified efforts to accelerate the country’s digital transformation agenda.
In a meeting with KNCCI officials led by President Dr Erick Rutto, Kabogo discussed collaboration on the African Commerce and Industry Summit (ACIS) 2026, which will be held in Nairobi from October 14 to 16.
The summit, which also marks the chamber’s 60th anniversary, is expected to attract delegates from more than 50 countries, bringing together governments, investors, entrepreneurs and industry leaders to discuss trade, investment and innovation across Africa.
According to Kabogo, the Ministry of Information, Communications and the Digital Economy will partner with KNCCI in the event as part of its broader strategy to leverage digital technologies to stimulate economic growth and enterprise development.
The summit will feature investment forums, business-to-business meetings, innovation exhibitions and policy dialogues aimed at strengthening commercial ties and expanding opportunities for African businesses.
Kabogo said the government’s digital agenda remains anchored on the implementation of the Digital Superhighway programme, expansion of internet connectivity, promotion of artificial intelligence, enhancement of digital skills and support for innovators and technology start-ups through public-private partnerships.
“The digital economy is central to Kenya’s economic transformation, and strategic partnerships with the private sector and international investors are critical in unlocking new opportunities for businesses and young innovators,” he said.
In a separate meeting, Kabogo met a Japanese delegation led by Ren Ito, co-founder and chairman of Sakana AI, to explore collaboration on artificial intelligence technologies and skills development.
The discussions focused on how Kenya can harness AI to improve public service delivery, create jobs, boost productivity and address national development challenges.
A key proposal was to integrate AI training into the government’s planned rollout of 1,450 Digital Hubs across the country, where young people and professionals are expected to acquire digital and emerging technology skills.
Kabogo said the initiative would help prepare Kenya’s workforce for the rapidly evolving digital economy while supporting innovation and entrepreneurship.
He noted that artificial intelligence should not be viewed merely as a productivity tool but as a transformative technology capable of delivering practical solutions in sectors such as education, healthcare, agriculture and public administration.
The two sides agreed to establish a joint technical working group that will develop AI solutions tailored to Kenya’s development priorities while drawing on global expertise and best practices.
The engagements come as Kenya continues to deepen investments in digital infrastructure, expand internet access and position itself as a leading technology and innovation hub in Africa.
The government has identified artificial intelligence, digital skills and innovation as key drivers of economic growth, employment creation and improved public service delivery under its digital transformation strategy.
