Kenya and China have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening collaboration in information, communication, and the digital economy as part of efforts to accelerate Kenya’s development agenda. The commitment was made during a high-level meeting on Monday between Chinese Ambassador to Kenya Guo Haiyan and Cabinet Secretary for Information, Communication and Digital Economy, William Kabogo.
The meeting underscored both nations’ shared vision of leveraging digital technology to foster sustainable growth. CS Kabogo highlighted Kenya’s strategic focus on improving connectivity, enhancing digital skills, and investing in emerging technologies to bolster the country’s digital transformation.
“We discussed how we can partner on areas of e-commerce, cyber-space, broadcasting cooperation, digital economy, navigating satellite systems and leveraging emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence,” said Kabogo.
He further emphasized Kenya’s openness to international investment, particularly in initiatives aimed at bridging the digital divide and expanding opportunities for the youth in the tech sector.
Ambassador Guo Haiyan welcomed the collaboration, noting China’s wealth of experience and technological advancement in the digital arena. She reiterated China’s readiness to support Kenya in building a robust digital infrastructure through joint initiatives aligned with the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
“China is willing to work with Kenya to strengthen cooperation in information, communications and the digital field, to achieve a secure, equal, open and inclusive digital ecosystem,” she said.
Guo added that China’s support would focus on creating an efficient and reliable digital space that promotes innovation and safeguards digital sovereignty. She pointed out that with the right policies and partnerships, Kenya could become a regional digital hub.
The partnership comes at a time when Kenya is ramping up its digital strategy, including launching digital hubs, expanding internet access to underserved areas, and integrating digital technologies in public service delivery.
The meeting signaled a deepening of Kenya-China relations, particularly in tech-based collaboration, which is poised to shape the future of digital inclusion and economic transformation in Kenya
