Charles Juma, Country Lead, UK- Digital Access Program speaking att he Africa Tech Policy Summit.

Kenya IGF 2025: Advancing Tech for Human Development through Policy, Innovation, and Inclusive Governance

The 18th edition of the Kenya Internet Governance Forum (KeIGF) convened Wednesday in Nairobi, drawing over 300 stakeholders from government, civil society, industry, academia, and the technical community.

As a national initiative feeding into regional and global Internet Governance Forums, KeIGF remains a cornerstone for shaping Kenya’s digital future through open, inclusive, and multi-stakeholder dialogue.

Setting the Stage: Inclusive Governance at the Heart

The KeIGF 2025 theme, “Tech for Human Development: Policy, Innovation and Inclusive Governance,” is aligned with the Kenyan constitution’s focus on equality, representation, and public participation.

It also resonates with Africa’s digital transformation agenda, emphasizing inter-African digital trade and cohesive tech-driven development.

A Significant Moment for Kenya’s Digital Future

Dr. Grace Githaiga, CEO of KICTANet, opened the forum by emphasizing the importance of multi-stakeholders, “On behalf of KICTANet, I extend a warm welcome to the 18th edition of the Kenya Internet Governance Forum (Kenya IGF). Today marks a significant moment as we convene the Kenya IGF, a key event within the inaugural Africa Tech Policy Summit (AfTPS) week here in Nairobi.”

She outlined KICTANet’s mission, “Our mission is to promote an enabling environment in the ICT sector that is robust, open, accessible, and rights-based through multistakeholderism.”

Dr. Githaiga highlighted the IGF’s role:

“The IGF is an open and inclusive multi-stakeholder forum for discussing public policy issues related to key elements of Internet governance, such as its sustainability, robustness, security, stability, and development.”

She concluded with a call for honest, forward-looking conversations:

“We look forward to honest, stimulating conversations that will capture ideas to guide us towards a future where we achieve ‘Tech for human development: Policy, Innovation and Inclusive Governance’. Karibuni!”

A Testament to Kenya’s Enduring Commitment

Mr Ali Hussein Kassim, Chairman of KICTANet, underscored the forum’s legacy and regional significance,” KeIGF stands as a testament to Kenya’s enduring commitment to open, inclusive, and forward-looking internet governance. For over 17 years, KICTANet has proudly convened this forum, providing a unique space for dialogue, collaboration, and innovation in shaping Kenya’s digital future.”

He celebrated KeIGF’s elevation as a flagship event within the Africa Tech Policy Summit.

“The launch of AfTPS reflects our collective ambition to elevate and expand ICT policy engagement across Africa, ensuring that our continent’s voice is strong, unified, and forward-thinking in the global digital arena.”

Hussein expressed gratitude to the organizing teams and sponsors:

“Your unwavering support empowers us to continue this important work, fostering dialogue and driving innovation for a better digital future.”

“Let us use this moment to inspire, to connect, and to shape the policies that will define Africa’s digital destiny. Thank you, and welcome to KeIGF 2025!”

Leveraging Technology for Human Development

Charles Juma, Country Lead for the UK Government’s Digital Access Program (UKAID/DAP), reflected on the UK’s approach and Kenya’s progress.

“As we gather here today, it’s crucial that we reflect on the importance of leveraging technology for the betterment of business, government, society, and the advancement of human development.”

He highlighted the UK’s four strategic objectives,”We aim to transform the economy, government, and society using digital means; promote inclusion of all using technology; and ensure that all this is done in a responsible fashion. Cyber hygiene and cybersecurity must be at the center of all this, as well as digital sustainability.”

He celebrated Kenya’s digital achievements stating that “Kenya has made remarkable progress in leveraging technology for human development. Initiatives such as the Ajira Digital Program and Jitume have been instrumental in providing digital skills to our young people, empowering them to access online work opportunities and improve their livelihoods.”

He emphasised the importance of user-centred innovation.

“The critical success factors for digital solutions are ease of use and usefulness. M-PESA’s impact on financial inclusion and poverty reduction comes from its simplicity and practical value to users. As we innovate, we must keep the end-user experience at the centre.”

High-Level Panel: Tech for Human Development – Policy, Innovation and Inclusive Governance

Moderated by Dr. Grace Githaiga, the high-level panel featured Mr Fred Waithaka (Safaricom), Dr. Wairagala Wakabi (CIPESA), Martin Mirero (Communications Authority), and Charles Juma (UKAID/DAP).

The session explored how Kenya can leverage technology to advance human development, focusing on policy frameworks, local innovation, and inclusive governance.

Fred Waithaka, Safaricom noted that “Technology is not just about connectivity’s about creating opportunities for every Kenyan, wherever they live. Our digital platforms, like M-PESA, have shown that when innovation meets local needs, the impact on financial inclusion and livelihoods is profound.”

Waithaka stressed the necessity of partnerships:

“No single entity can do this alone. We must continue to work collaboratively across the private sector, government, and civil society to ensure our digital solutions are accessible, affordable, and relevant for all.”

Dr. Wairagala Wakabi, CIPESA, said, “As we accelerate digital transformation, we must ensure that our policies protect fundamental rights-privacy, freedom of expression, and access to information. Inclusive governance means that all voices, especially those of marginalized groups, are heard and considered in policy-making.”

“Robust, data-driven policy frameworks are essential for sustainable digital development. We need to invest in research to understand where gaps exist and how best to address them.”

Communications Authority

Martin Mirero. Director, ICT, Communications Authority sais, the authority’s role is to create an enabling environment that encourages innovation, but also ensures safety, security, and trust in the digital ecosystem.

” As we roll out initiatives like Maisha Namba and expand digital public infrastructure, interoperability and citizen trust must remain at the core.”

He emphasized the importance of efficient implementation and building public trust.

“It’s not just about having the right policies, but also about ensuring they are implemented efficiently. Building public trust in digital services is essential, and this can be achieved through targeted public awareness campaigns, access to information, and digital literacy programs.”

Mirero noted the gap between coverage and usage.

“While mobile broadband coverage is nearing 100%, usage remains below 30%. This gap is a loss to everyone-private sector, government, civil society, and development partners. We must shift focus from just coverage to driving usage, capacity building, and digital skilling.”

He called for more inclusive approaches.

“Civil society must advocate for a greater share of resources to go towards digital literacy and meaningful usage, not just infrastructure. Community networks and grassroots content creation should be included in Universal Service Fund strategies to truly bridge the last mile.”

Civil Society’s Role

Dr. Githaiga and Charles Juma underscored civil society’s advocacy:

“One of the things that KICTANet does is to speak truth to power and agitate for change. For example, we successfully advocated for the end of data bundle expiry after engaging Safaricom directly. Civil society’s good standing in the ecosystem allows us to articulate the concerns of the voiceless and push for policies that benefit all.”

She added:

“There is a need for greater inclusion of community networks in policy and funding decisions, as they play a vital role in last-mile connectivity. We must also address the perception that advanced technologies like 5G are only for urban elites, and ensure equitable access.”

Panel Takeaways

  • Policy frameworks must balance innovation, rights protection, and public trust, and be efficiently implemented.
  • Local innovation tailored to real needs and supported by partnerships can drive inclusion and economic empowerment.
  • Inclusive governance means involving all stakeholders, especially marginalized communities, in decision-making and resource allocation.
  • Civil society must continue to advocate for digital literacy, meaningful usage, and accountability, ensuring the digital ecosystem serves everyone.
  • Collaborative partnerships across sectors are vital for scaling impact and bridging the digital divide.

Dr. Grace Githaiga closed the session, “This discussion reinforces that Kenya’s digital future depends on our collective commitment to inclusive, rights-based, and innovation-driven governance. Let’s continue to co-create policies and solutions that leave no one behind.”

Looking Ahead

The outcomes of KeIGF 2025 will inform Kenya’s contributions to the Africa IGF and Global IGF later this year, ensuring that local priorities shape regional and global digital policy debates. The forum also featured youth and children’s IGFs, capacity-building workshops, and a fireside chat on responsible AI and emerging technology.


 

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