Kenya solidified its status as an emerging digital leader in Africa at the 4th Edition Information Communication Technology & Data Centers, held on May 5, 2025, in Nairobi.
Organised by Bricsa Consulting, this one-day forum convened over 60 influential policymakers, industry leaders, and experts to discuss sustainable digital infrastructure, robust cybersecurity, and the transformative potential of hyper-scale computing and cloud technologies.
The conference highlighted Kenya’s ICT sector, projected to surpass $110 billion by 2027, driven by the National Digital Masterplan and investments from companies like MTN and Africa Data Centres.
Discussions aligned with Kenya’s Vision 2030, focusing on integrating artificial intelligence, blockchain, digital inclusion, data sovereignty, and bridging the digital divide.
Environmental sustainability was a key focus, with delegates exploring strategies to reduce ICT emissions and adopt renewable energy in data centres. Metrics like the Renewable Energy Factor (REF) and Carbon Usage Effectiveness (CUE) were emphasised for standardized energy reporting.
These align with Kenya’s Digital Master Plan (2022–2032), targeting a 100,000-kilometer fibre optic network, 25,000 public Wi-Fi hotspots, smart hubs in 1,450 wards, and government digitization. The government’s $125.3 million allocation for 2024/25 supports projects like the Digital Superhighway and Digital Economy Acceleration program.
KICTANet, a key partner, advanced its mission of research and policy advocacy, offering insights on regulatory frameworks, digital inclusion, and evidence-based policies. KICTANet promoted a collaborative, multi-stakeholder approach to ensure inclusive and sustainable technological progress.
The conference featured 18 sessions, including keynote addresses by Principal Secretary Eng. John Tanui, ICT Director Ben Waweru, and Mr. Stanley Kamuguya.
Principal Secretary Eng. John Tanui emphasised Kenya’s strategic approach: leveraging international partnerships, fostering innovation, and adopting a multi-stakeholder model to drive digital transformation and position Kenya as a regional tech hub.
A panel with representatives from Khazna Data Centers, G42, and Microsoft explored sustainability and capacity building.
The private sector’s role in driving ICT and data centre growth was also examined, emphasizing innovation, energy efficiency, and alignment with national policies.
