Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has highlighted Kenya’s rapid digital transformation as a model for the continent, as ministers and senior officials from 30 countries gather in Nairobi for the 15th Africa Connect Summit.
Speaking during the official opening on behalf of President William Samoei Ruto, Kindiki said Kenya’s investments in information and communication technology (ICT) are already delivering tangible economic benefits.
“Ministers and high ranking officials from 30 Countries are convening in Nairobi for the Africa Connect Summit,” he said.
Kenya’s Digital Infrastructure Growth
Kindiki pointed to the country’s extensive fibre optic expansion and the establishment of ICT hubs as key drivers of growth.
“Kenya’s experience in building 30,000 kilometers of Fibre Optic Infrastructure in the last three years, 382 ICT hubs and 400 more under construction, the creation of 300,000 new jobs through the hubs and the business process outsourcing facilities by some of the leading BPO companies in the world, all speak to Kenya’s pacesetting achievements in this space,” he stated.
The Deputy President noted that these investments have strengthened connectivity, enhanced innovation, and opened up employment opportunities, particularly for young people.
Safaricom and Mobile Money Success
Kindiki also highlighted the global impact of Kenya’s mobile money ecosystem, anchored by Safaricom.
“The success story of Safaricom, our premier telco in which the Government of Kenya has a stake, has redefined money transfer around the world, with its MPESA mobile money solution in Kenya only currently doing 20% of all the business its competitor PayPal does in 180 countries of the world,” he said.
He emphasized that Kenya’s digital financial services have not only transformed local transactions but also positioned the country as a global leader in fintech innovation.
Driving Africa’s Digital Future
Looking ahead, Kindiki called for stronger collaboration across the continent to harness the full potential of technology.
“Going into the future, integration of ICT solutions across Africa, people centric business, partnerships between the public and private sectors to mobilize human and financial resources required to create more wealth using technology remain the true North of Africa’s economic emancipation strategy into the 21st Century,” he said.
He stressed that partnerships between governments and private sector players will be essential in scaling digital solutions and ensuring inclusive growth.
Nairobi as a Regional Tech Hub
The summit positions Nairobi as a key meeting point for shaping Africa’s digital future, bringing together policymakers, industry leaders, and innovators to explore opportunities in connectivity, digital services, and economic transformation.
Kindiki noted that Kenya remains committed to leading in ICT development and sharing its experiences with other African nations.
“On behalf of President William Ruto, presided over the official opening of the 15th Africa Connect Summit, Nairobi,” he said.
A Vision for Economic Transformation
The Deputy President concluded by reiterating that technology will play a central role in driving Africa’s economic growth, job creation, and global competitiveness.
With continued investments in infrastructure, innovation, and partnerships, Kenya is positioning itself at the forefront of the continent’s digital revolution.
