18th Kenya Internet Governance Forum Tackles AI, Digital Rights, and Inclusive Growth
The 18th Kenya Internet Governance Forum (KIGF) began in Nairobi on May 14, themed “Tech for Human Development.” This week-long KICTANet-organized event united government, tech leaders, and civil society to discuss AI ethics, youth digital rights, data privacy, and fostering inclusive ICT growth through multi-stakeholder collaboration, aiming to shape Kenya's digital policies.
Nairobi was the focal point for critical discussions on the future of Kenya's digital landscape as it hosted the 18th Kenya Internet Governance Forum (KIGF), which commenced on May 14. The week-long forum, operating under the insightful theme “Tech for Human Development: Policy, Innovation and Inclusive Governance,” was expertly organized by the Kenya ICT Action Network (KICTANet) in partnership with a consortium of key national and international stakeholders. This vital event successfully convened a diverse and influential gathering, including high-ranking government officials, pioneering technology innovators, leading academics, dedicated representatives from civil society organizations, and key figures from the private sector, all united by the common goal of shaping a responsible and equitable digital future for Kenya.
The comprehensive agenda of the forum addressed a wide spectrum of pressing contemporary digital issues. Intensive deliberations explored the complex ethical considerations and emerging regulatory frameworks necessary for the responsible development and deployment of artificial intelligence (AI). Significant attention was also devoted to the imperative of robustly safeguarding youth digital rights and promoting online safety in an ever-more interconnected world. Throughout the forum's numerous sessions and panel discussions, prominent speakers and thought leaders consistently underscored the critical necessity of striking a judicious balance between fostering rapid technological innovation and diligently protecting the broader public interest and fundamental human rights. Recurring themes that dominated the discourse included the foundational importance of ensuring universal access to affordable and reliable internet connectivity, the urgent need for the enactment and enforcement of comprehensive data privacy laws that protect citizens, and the unwavering promotion of multi-stakeholder collaboration as the cornerstone for achieving sustainable, inclusive, and equitable ICT growth across all sectors of Kenyan society. The policy recommendations and strategic insights generated from KIGF 2025 are anticipated to play a significant role in informing future legislative actions and strategic initiatives within Kenya's vibrant and rapidly evolving technology sector.