Grace Ashiru
As Kenya makes significant investments in key drivers of economic growth and national resilience—from digital infrastructure and AI factories to hyperscale data centres and green industrialisation—the country is set to attract increased international attention with the launch of Ai Everything Kenya x GITEX Kenya.
This landmark event, organised by KAOUN International (the global organiser behind GITEX) in partnership with the Office of the Special Envoy on Technology of the Republic of Kenya and dx⁵, Africa’s leading technology driver, will debut in Nairobi from 19–21 May 2026.
With the AI market projected to add US$2.4 billion to Kenya’s GDP by 2030 and create over 300,000 new jobs by 2028, the event is set to shine a spotlight on Kenya’s growing leadership in AI and digital transformation across the region and globally. It aims to catalyse a new wave of strategic partnerships and investments while accelerating the inclusive and responsible deployment of emerging technologies.
Bringing together one of the continent’s most influential multistakeholder gatherings, GITEX continues to offer unmatched access to emerging markets, capital, talent, strategic relationships, and investment opportunities. In its 45-year history, GITEX has become synonymous with global expansion, now hosting shows in eight countries and five regions including Germany, Kazakhstan, Morocco, Nigeria, Singapore, Thailand, the UAE, and Vietnam.
Kenya’s much-anticipated addition to this global event portfolio positions Ai Everything Kenya x GITEX Kenya as East Africa’s largest technology and startup gathering—unifying policymakers, technologists, academia, private sector players, civil society, creatives, and development partners.
Hon. William Kabogo Gitau, Cabinet Secretary for Information, Communications, and the Digital Economy, hailed the announcement:
“Hosting Ai Everything Kenya is both a recognition of our achievements and a call to action. Kenya is positioning itself at the heart of Africa’s digital transformation, where artificial intelligence is not just a tool for innovation, but a force for economic inclusion, public service reform, and sustainable development.”
He emphasised that AI, guided by the newly launched Kenyan AI Strategy, is a fundamental pillar of the country’s broader transformation agenda, aligned with the Kenya National Digital Master Plan 2022–2032 and the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).
“We are proud to lead this moment that places Africa on the global AI map—not just as consumers, but as creators and collaborators shaping a future rooted in our values and vision.”
Dr. Korir Singoei, Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs, added that hosting Ai Everything Kenya x GITEX Kenya in the same year as the 2026 Global Data Festival underlines Kenya’s ambition to position Nairobi as the world’s multilateral hub for digital innovation and cooperation.
“This drive is anchored in Sessional Paper No. 1 of 2025, which, for the first time, elevated technology diplomacy alongside our traditional pillars and established a strategic framework for advancing international collaboration on emerging technologies,” he stated.
“It reflects our commitment to deepen cooperation on data governance, AI regulation, and digital infrastructure—and to embed technology considerations into peacebuilding, trade negotiations, and development partnerships. By convening global stakeholders in Nairobi, we are demonstrating that Africa’s diplomacy is evolving and capable of addressing our most pressing challenges.”
Amb. Philip Thigo, Special Envoy on Technology, also underscored the event’s significance to the nation:
“The hosting of Ai Everything Kenya is more than symbolic; it affirms Kenya’s stature as a trusted convener of global conversations on the future of technology.”
He also praised the leadership of H.E. President William Ruto in championing green industrialisation and inclusive development through innovation:
“This moment underscores our dedication to leveraging emerging technologies such as AI—not only to solve local challenges but to shape global norms that are equitable, sustainable, and aligned with Africa’s development goals,” said Thigo.
“It is also a platform to showcase the ingenuity of Kenya and Africa—our capacity not just to adopt but to design, build, and export transformative technologies that mirror our values, realities, and ambitions.”
Harry Hare, Chairman and Co-founder of dx⁵, spoke to the collaborative spirit behind the event:
“Ai Everything Kenya x GITEX Kenya is more than an event—it is a catalyst for Africa’s digital transformation. By bringing together global innovators, policymakers, and local talent, we are building a platform that not only highlights Kenya’s technological advancements but also promotes collaboration and investment throughout the continent. This also signals strong confidence in Kenya as a premier MICE destination, equipped with the infrastructure, expertise, and dynamism to host global technology and innovation leaders.”
Trixie LohMirmand, Executive Vice President of DWTC and CEO of KAOUN International, celebrated the new partnership:
“Kenya has already secured a powerful presence in Africa’s digital ecosystem—nurturing and powering tech that’s transforming lives nationwide. The launch of Ai Everything Kenya x GITEX Kenya will mark a major milestone in Kenya’s digital evolution and the rise of AI and digital economies in East Africa. This signature event will cast a global spotlight on Kenya’s progressive policies, homegrown talent, developing infrastructure, and bold ambitions—further strengthening the nation’s role as a competitive and influential force for tech-driven change in regional and global markets. It will also unlock new pathways for cross-border collaboration between public and private sectors, building a more dynamic and resilient regional ecosystem.”
With digitalisation a central pillar of economic development and job creation, aligned with long-term strategies like Kenya Vision 2030 and the Kenya National Digital Master Plan 2022–2032, Ai Everything Kenya x GITEX Kenya will amplify this momentum through a world-class programme designed to accelerate tech adoption across critical sectors within the evolving AI and digital economies.
The event will feature a one-day global summit and a two-day exhibition showcase, centred on six pivotal themes shaping Kenya’s digital economy and tech landscape: AI, agritech, cloud, cybersecurity, IoT, and sustainability.
Supported by Gulfood, the world’s largest food show, Ai Everything Kenya x GITEX Kenya will bring together a global network of governments, enterprises, experts, investors, SMEs, startups, and digital promotion agencies—redefining cross-sector collaboration, sparking new public-private partnerships, attracting investment, scaling transformative technologies, and advancing Kenya’s digital journey to new heights.
Further news and updates will be shared in due course.
For more information on GITEX, please visit www.GITEX.com.
