Kenya launched a groundbreaking collaboration with the African Union (AU), GIZ, and the European Union (EU) on Monday to begin the creation of its National Data Strategy and Data Policy.
This development was announced by Eng. John Kipchumba Tanui, Principal Secretary, State Department of ICT and Digital Economy.
The online and in-person hybrid meeting, held in Nairobi, is a significant step towards promoting the nation’s digital economy goal and establishing Kenya as Africa’s leading data hub.
Significance of National Data Strategy and Data Policy for Kenya’s digital economy
Kipchumba noted that data is essential to the modern economy because it supports evidence-based governance, digital entrepreneurship, artificial intelligence, and intelligent public services.
According to the statement, a national data strategy and policy is necessary to unlock economic value from data across sectors, including industry, banking, health, and agriculture. It is also necessary to facilitate reliable data exchange while protecting individual rights and privacy.
The establishment of this initiative will break down institutional silos to enable data interoperability across government and also encourage the development of AI by using trustworthy, superior datasets.
Additionally, it will establish a transparent governance system to increase public confidence in data use. The initiative will also comply with continental and international norms, such as the AU Data Policy Framework and programs pertaining to cross-border data flows.
Furthermore, it will encourage innovation and employment creation, particularly for young people and entrepreneurs, by providing equitable access to digital infrastructure and open data platforms.
Kenya’s data strategy efforts
Kenya has already established a strong foundation with the establishment of the Data Commissioner’s Office, Maisha Namba Digital Identity, the Data Protection Act, and more than 22,000 government services digitised through the eCitizen platform.
“This next step will strengthen our data governance ecosystem and ensure our frameworks are future-ready,” Kipchumba stated.
The European Union Delegation to Kenya is led by Milou Vanmulken while the GIZ Kenya delegation is led by Christin Schulz-Kaunga and the African Union Commission is represented by Cristelle Onana.
Kipchumba added, “Together, we agreed on a multi-stakeholder approach to co-create a practical, inclusive, and future-oriented strategy.”
The Ministry’s Data Management Division will oversee the strategy’s development through a technical working group that includes representatives from academia, the private sector, civil society, development partners, and the government.
Kipchumba continued, “Thank you to all our partners and stakeholders for your dedication to this important national journey. We are not just developing a document—we are laying the foundation for Kenya’s data-driven future, rooted in trust, equity, and innovation.”
“Let’s work together to harness data as a public good, a strategic asset, and a catalyst for inclusive prosperity,” he concluded.
Kenya partners with World Bank to enhancecross-border digital connectivity
In a related development, Kenya and the World Bank are collaborating to expedite cross-border digital connectivity through a comprehensive fibre optic extension project that would connect Kenya to its neighbours, including Ethiopia, Somalia, and South Sudan.
The program’s main goals are to improve digital infrastructure, boost regional integration, and provide underprivileged communities with quicker, more dependable internet access.
With the successful installation of 730 km of fibre from Eldoret to the Nadapal-Nakodok border with South Sudan, the project—which is a component of the Eastern Africa Regional Transport, Trade and Development Facilitation Project (EARTTDFP)—has already reached a significant milestone.
Across five counties in northern Kenya, this initial phase has 193 subscriber sites that provide WiFi access to public areas, government buildings, hospitals, and schools.
Kenya deploys 740km fibre line to connect Ethiopia and Somalia
Furthermore, Kenya is constructing a 740km fibre line that would connect Isiolo to Ethiopia and Somalia through the counties of Garissa, Mandera, Meru, and Wajir as part of the Horn of Africa Gateway Development Project.
In addition to improving connection within Kenya, this initiative seeks to make data sharing and trade across East African borders easier.
ICT Principal Secretary Eng. John Kipchumba Tanui and World Bank Eastern Africa transport director Binyam Reja recently reiterated their commitment to smart mobility, climate-resilient infrastructure, and data-driven logistics during a project review.
Kipchumba welcomed the World Bank’s support and applauded local partners for their efforts in enhancing Kenya’s status as a regional digital connectivity hub.