By Josiah Kariuki
Kenya is shifting its digital transformation agenda from expanding infrastructure and connectivity to ensuring technology delivers measurable benefits to citizens, businesses and public institutions.
Principal Secretary for Broadcasting and Telecommunications Stephen Isaboke said the country had established a strong digital foundation through investments in broadband connectivity, mobile financial services, digital public infrastructure and online government services.
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Speaking during a World Bank forum titled Kenya’s Digital and AI Dividend: From Promise to Practical Action, Isaboke said the next phase should focus on converting those investments into jobs, productive businesses and improved public services.
“The digital and AI dividend will only be realised when technology moves beyond potential and delivers practical value to our people,” Isaboke said.
“Our task now is to ensure that digital investments translate into better jobs, more productive enterprises, improved public services and expanded opportunities for all Kenyans.”
The forum brought together government officials, development partners, digital experts and private sector representatives to discuss how Artificial Intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies can support economic growth and social development.
Participants examined the impact of AI and e-commerce on labour markets, businesses and public service delivery, while highlighting the need for policies that support responsible and inclusive adoption of the technologies.
Focus on skills and trusted data
The discussions identified digital infrastructure, skills development, secure data systems, responsible AI governance and interoperable digital platforms as key requirements for Kenya’s digital economy.
Isaboke said the government was pursuing these priorities through the Digital Superhighway agenda and the National AI Strategy 2025–2030.
The strategy is intended to strengthen Kenya’s capacity to develop and use emerging technologies while positioning the country as an innovator rather than merely a consumer of digital technologies.
Participants also explored potential applications of AI across agriculture, education, healthcare, entrepreneurship and public administration.
In agriculture, AI-powered systems could help farmers improve productivity and access markets, while digital platforms could enable Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises to reach more customers and improve their operations.
The technology could also support young people seeking employment and entrepreneurial opportunities, as well as teachers and public servants seeking to improve efficiency and service delivery.
However, participants said access to the benefits of AI would depend on collaboration between government, development partners, academia, innovators and the private sector.
They also highlighted the need to build public trust, strengthen digital skills and ensure equitable access to technology as AI adoption expands.
Isaboke was accompanied by ICT Infrastructure Secretary Washington Okoth and ICT Authority Director for Programmes and Standards Thomas Bwaley.
Also attending was Mehnaz Safavian, Digital and AI Practice Manager for Eastern and Southern Africa at the World Bank Group.
The forum comes as Kenya seeks to deepen its digital economy and expand the use of emerging technologies across key sectors.
