By Peter Nalika
As Kenya continues to position itself as a digital innovation hub, the question is no longer whether technology will shape our future but how we ensure it does so in a way that is inclusive, ethical, and anchored in human development. This is the urgent conversation that the Kenya Internet Governance Forum – KIGF seeks to catalyse when it convenes on 14th May 2025, during the inaugural Africa Tech Policy Summit [AfTPS] week.
The theme Tech for Human Development: Policy, Innovation, and Inclusive Governance serves as the focus for KIGF 2025 which occurs at this important moment in history. Researchers have identified multiple challenges, opportunities, and risks arising from the convergence of artificial intelligence [AI] with local technological solutions, digital access problems as well as changing regulatory systems. We have no margin for making errors in this situation.
Throughout its existence, KIGF has maintained a distinctive position for organizing meetings that bring together representatives from government entities, private businesses, civil society organizations, academics, and technical professionals. The organization stands as a policy influencer that uses its information and inspirational activities to prompt decision-making processes.
The forum produces soft policy outcomes which later lead to established interventions across domestic and regional Internet Governance Forums [IGFs] levels. Kenya requires an active voice in discussions thus KIGF plays a critical role in making this happen.
KIGF’s bottom-up approach to Internet governance strengthens the crucial link between local realities and global policy frameworks. In a world where digital decisions made in Geneva, Brussels, or Silicon Valley can affect a young coder in Kisumu or an agri-tech startup in Kitale. We need forums that reflect our context, challenges, and ambitions.
Leveraging Tech for Human Development
The focus on human development is not accidental. It signals a shift from techno-solutionism to people-centred technology governance. The future we build must serve citizens—not just consumers—and that requires deliberate, inclusive policy conversations that prioritize local needs and global standards. KIGF 2025’s four sub-themes capture the urgent priorities: Championing Home-grown Tech Solutions for Societal Impact; Creating a Thriving Ecosystem for AI and Emerging Technologies; Bridging Digital Access Gaps: Ensuring No One Is Left Behind; Harmonizing Tech Policies for Inclusive and Sustainable Growth.
Kenya’s innovation sector holds multiple promising possibilities. The implementation of mobile money and agri-tech systems has historically been more effective from local roots. But we need to go further. The nation requires policies that will support homegrown innovators as well as provide funding access and mechanisms to make their concepts sustainable at scale. What strategies should we develop that encourage technology developers to solve Kenya’s major societal challenges including health care, education, food security and climate adaptation? The current technology policy initiatives must address the challenges of Kenyan innovators.
Kenya also needs to develop an advanced environment that supports the growth of AI technologies along with emerging technology industries. AI, blockchain, and other emerging technologies are redefining the global economy. But without the right regulatory frameworks, data governance policies, and digital infrastructure, Kenya risks being left behind—or worse, exploited. A thriving ecosystem must balance innovation with accountability, and progress with protection. As AI becomes more embedded in public and private systems, we must ask: Who is building these systems? Whose data is being used? And who benefits? We need bold, future-forward policies that don’t just adapt to change but shape it.
Bridging Digital Access Gaps
On bridging digital access gaps, there is no gainsaying that Kenyans, especially those living in rural regions and underserved areas, still lack digital access. The fundamental challenges to digital adoption include price accessibility and implementable knowledge as well as physical access. The designation of digital equity demands it should function as a basic human right rather than an exclusive benefit. This situation presents both moral and economic necessities to remedy the situation. Digital connectivity and literacy among populations enable them to access new markets in addition to generating new ideas and advancing civic engagement to higher levels. KIGF should therefore bring together people to facilitate truthful discussions regarding digital inequality while developing effective measures to bridge it.
Policy harmonization for technology must also focus on developing inclusive growth along with sustainability. The policy framework for technology in Kenya operates as a fragmented system that reacts to future developments instead of staying ahead of innovations. The alignment of our regulatory systems depends on collaboration between government agencies, businesses, and civil organizations for oversight. The goal? The policy needs to raise innovation levels and defend digital rights along with achieving equitable growth. The relationship between regulation and innovation should not be seen as competitive as they actually depend on each other.
A comprehensive policy framework that includes all stakeholders serves as the only pathway to guide Kenya’s technology environment toward lasting sustainable development. As we gear up for KIGF 2025, the call is clear: get involved. Whether you’re a policymaker, a tech entrepreneur, a civil society advocate, or simply a concerned citizen, your voice matters. The strength of KIGF lies in its inclusivity and diversity. This is not a conference for elites or insiders—it’s a platform for collective reflection and forward planning.
We must seize this opportunity to co-create Kenya’s digital future. A future that is equitable, inclusive, and responsive to our people’s real needs. Let us challenge ourselves to move beyond abstract policy debates and towards practical, action-oriented solutions.
Participate. Propose a session. Share your story. Listen to others. Influence change.
Because when it comes to Internet governance and tech policy, if you’re not at the table, you’re on the menu.
