Kenya urged to build inclusive and responsible digital economy

Kenya has been urged to accelerate efforts to build an inclusive and responsible digital ecosystem that responds to the needs of citizens while ensuring that emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) are developed and deployed responsibly.

ICT Authority Chief Executive Officer Jessy Maruti made the call during the Women in STEM Africa Summit 2026 held at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) in Nairobi, where he joined technology leaders, innovators and other stakeholders for a panel discussion on the future of Africa’s digital economy.

The discussion focused on the need to design technology around the realities of its users, remove barriers to digital participation and ensure communities are involved in developing solutions that directly address their needs.

Maruti said bridging Kenya’s digital divide requires moving beyond policy formulation to practical implementation, including expanding connectivity and digital infrastructure to underserved areas, strengthening digital skills and improving access to affordable digital devices.

He called for greater support for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and emerging innovators, saying businesses should be able to access opportunities in the digital economy without being hampered by unnecessary bureaucracy.

According to Maruti, simple, accessible and predictable policies and processes would enable smaller enterprises to participate more effectively in the digital economy and benefit from emerging technological opportunities.

The ICT Authority Chief Executive also challenged Kenyan innovators to develop artificial intelligence solutions that reflect the country’s unique circumstances, culture and identity rather than relying solely on technologies developed for other markets.

The panel further examined responsible AI, data protection and the need to adapt global technology governance principles to local realities.

Maruti highlighted the Presidential Digital Talent Programme (PDTP) as one of the initiatives aimed at strengthening Kenya’s digital workforce.

Through the programme, the ICT Authority takes on 400 graduate interns annually, with more than 3,700 interns having been trained since its inception.

He called on industry players and other stakeholders to partner with the Authority in nurturing the next generation of digital talent and ensuring that young professionals are equipped with skills relevant to the rapidly changing technology landscape.

The discussions at the summit underscored that building an inclusive digital ecosystem cannot be achieved by government alone.

Instead, participants stressed the need for collaboration between government, industry, academia, innovators and communities to ensure technology expands economic and social opportunities while remaining responsible, accessible and people-centred.

By Joseph Ng’ang’a