Information, Communications and the Digital Economy Cabinet Secretary William Kabogo has stepped up engagements with global technology companies and continental telecommunications bodies as Kenya seeks to strengthen its digital economy, attract investment and expand connectivity across Africa.
In a series of high-level meetings in Nairobi, Mr Kabogo held talks with representatives of the Global System for Mobile Communications Association (GSMA), Microsoft and the African Telecommunications Union (ATU), focusing on artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, digital infrastructure, job creation and regional cooperation.
The engagements come as Kenya positions itself as a technology and innovation hub, with the government seeking to accelerate the digitisation of public services while creating an enabling environment for technology companies and investors.
A key outcome of the discussions was a commitment to develop coordinated action plans and strengthen partnerships aimed at translating Kenya’s digital ambitions into practical programmes.
During a meeting at Telposta Towers with a GSMA delegation led by Vice President of Sales Sarah Wiggin, Mr Kabogo said the government was keen to work with the association to promote Kenya’s digital achievements and attract further investment into the communications sector.
The delegation included GSMA Head of Africa Angela Wamola, Senior Director for Public Policy in Africa Caroline Mbugua and Linus Melly.
Discussions covered cooperation between Kenya and the global mobile industry association in advancing Africa’s digital transformation, addressing challenges in the communications sector and encouraging broader participation by African countries in digital development initiatives.
Mr Kabogo said his ministry would work with GSMA to establish a clear and coordinated roadmap for showcasing Kenya’s innovations, investment opportunities and progress in digital transformation.
The partnership is also expected to support regional cooperation on connectivity and digital inclusion, particularly as African countries seek to expand access to reliable communications infrastructure and digital services.
The meeting was attended by Communications Authority of Kenya Director General David Mugonyi and Secretary for Information Temesi Mukani.
The involvement of the communications regulator highlighted the importance of aligning policy, regulation and industry collaboration as Kenya pursues a more connected digital economy.
In a separate engagement, Mr Kabogo met a Microsoft delegation led by Jeff Bullwinkel, the company’s Vice President and Deputy General Counsel for Corporate, External and Legal Affairs in Europe, the Middle East and Africa.
The delegation also included Microsoft’s East Africa team, led by Angela Ng’ang’a.
The discussions centred on the adoption of artificial intelligence in government operations, digitisation of public services, cybersecurity, digital infrastructure and the development of technology skills through universities and other training institutions.
Microsoft’s support for the development of Kenya’s National Artificial Intelligence Policy and the country’s wider innovation ecosystem also featured prominently.
The talks reflect the government’s interest in using emerging technologies to improve public service delivery, strengthen institutional efficiency and equip the workforce with skills needed in a rapidly changing digital economy.
AI adoption is increasingly becoming a policy priority for governments seeking to modernise public administration and improve the delivery of services to citizens and businesses.
However, the technology also presents challenges involving data protection, cybersecurity, responsible deployment and the need to ensure that workers and institutions can adapt to new systems.
Mr Kabogo said Microsoft had briefed him on changes to its operations in Kenya in the context of the company’s global restructuring.
He underscored the importance of retaining local expertise, safeguarding jobs at Microsoft’s Nairobi engineering centre and maintaining investor confidence in Kenya’s technology industry.
The Cabinet Secretary said the government remained committed to providing a competitive and transparent investment environment capable of attracting and retaining technology firms.
His remarks placed employment and the sustainability of local technology operations at the centre of discussions, amid concerns over how global corporate restructuring decisions could affect skilled workers and investment in regional technology hubs.
Microsoft reaffirmed its long term commitment to Kenya, according to Mr Kabogo.
The ministry and the company agreed to develop a joint action plan to advance the issues discussed, although specific timelines and implementation details were not provided.
The planned cooperation is expected to provide a framework for following up on the discussions around AI, digital government, cybersecurity, skills development and the broader innovation ecosystems.
Mr Kabogo also received ATU Secretary General John Omo and Secretary General elect Kezias Kazuba Mwale as the continental organisation prepared for a leadership transition.
The Cabinet Secretary congratulated Eng Mwale on his election at the ATU Conference of Plenipotentiaries held in Abuja, Nigeria, in July. He is scheduled to assume office on January 1, 2027.
Kenya hosts the ATU General Secretariat in Nairobi and serves on the organisation’s Administrative Council, giving the country a significant role in supporting regional cooperation on telecommunications and digital development.
Mr Kabogo pledged continued Kenyan support for the Union under the incoming leadership.
He also commended Mr Omo for his service since 2018, citing the expansion of the organisation’s membership, improved financial strength, the launch of the ATU Africa Innovation Challenge and coordination of Africa’s preparations for International Telecommunication Union conferences.
The two sides discussed arrangements for the handover, agreeing that it would be marked by a breakfast meeting in Nairobi during the United Nations Internet Governance Forum, scheduled to take place in Kenya from December 14 to 18, 2026.
The forum is expected to provide an opportunity for stakeholders to discuss internet governance, digital policy and the challenges facing the global digital ecosystem.
The ATU meeting also focused on Africa’s preparations for the ITU Plenipotentiary Conference, scheduled to take place in Doha, Qatar, from November 9 to 27, 2026.
Kenya is seeking re election to the ITU Council and intends to work with other African member states to develop a common continental position ahead of the conference.
The ITU plays a central role in international telecommunications cooperation, including the development of global standards and coordination of issues affecting the use of telecommunications infrastructure and radio frequency spectrum.
A coordinated African position could strengthen the continent’s ability to advance shared priorities on connectivity, digital infrastructure and equitable access to emerging technologies in international policy discussions.
The transition at the ATU also comes at a time when African countries are seeking to expand broadband access, improve telecommunications infrastructure and ensure that the benefits of digital transformation reach underserved communities.
For Kenya, the country’s hosting of the ATU secretariat and its bid for another term on the ITU Council form part of its broader engagement in international telecommunications policy.
The three meetings underline the government’s effort to combine private sector investment, public policy and regional diplomacy in advancing Kenya’s digital economy.
Engagement with GSMA is expected to strengthen cooperation with the mobile industry, while discussions with Microsoft have opened a framework for further work on AI, digital services, cybersecurity and technology skills.
Meanwhile, the ATU engagement is aimed at sustaining Kenya’s role in continental telecommunications cooperation and building support for its priorities at international forums.
The challenge will be to translate the commitments into measurable outcomes, including improved access to digital services, stronger cybersecurity safeguards, investment growth, employment opportunities and expanded connectivity.
As Kenya seeks to deepen its position as a regional technology centre, the success of the initiatives will depend on implementation, sustained partnerships and the ability to ensure that digital progress delivers tangible benefits to citizens, businesses and the wider African region.
