Kenya has reiterated its dedication to building a people-centred and inclusive information society, emphasizing that affordable, secure, and reliable connectivity is critical to education, healthcare, civic participation, and economic development.
This commitment was affirmed during the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS+20) High-Level Meeting held from December 16–17, 2025, in New York, USA. The meeting brought together United Nations Member States, UN leadership, and diverse stakeholders to review 20 years of progress since the launch of WSIS and to define priorities for advancing global digital cooperation.
The discussions called for accelerated efforts to close persistent digital divides, increased investment in digital infrastructure, stronger digital skills development, and responsible governance of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and data ecosystems, grounded in human rights and trust.
In a statement delivered at the United Nations General Assembly, Cabinet Secretary for Information, Communications and the Digital Economy, William Kabogo, said the Kenyan government is intensifying efforts to bridge the digital divide. These include expanding broadband and mobile connectivity to remote areas and establishing ICT hubs across the country.
“Our Universal Service Fund has helped bridge urban-rural disparities by extending mobile network services to unserved and underserved communities. We are now scaling this effort through the establishment of 1,450 digital hubs at the lowest administrative level, connecting public offices to broadband and stimulating growth in sectors such as education, justice, and agriculture,” said CS Kabogo. His remarks were delivered on his behalf by Mr. Stephen Isaboke, Principal Secretary, State Department for Broadcasting and Telecommunications.
The Cabinet Secretary added that Kenya continues to prioritize digital skills development and gender equality, empowering women and girls in STEM fields and enabling thousands of young people to earn livelihoods online.
Kenya, alongside Albania, served as a co-facilitator of the WSIS+20 review process and played a key role in shaping discussions throughout the engagement.
“Kenya is proud to be a leader in ICT development. As co-facilitator with Albania, we have guided conversations on AI capacity building, digital public infrastructure, and cybersecurity frameworks that safeguard children from online harms,” he said.
Kenya also participated in a Partner2Connect side event aimed at mobilizing global resources to achieve meaningful connectivity. During the event, the Cabinet Secretary noted that the country has invested approximately USD 30.97 million in cellular mobile broadband infrastructure and services, and an additional USD 38.72 million in national fibre optic infrastructure. Through the Universal Service Fund, more than 8,000 kilometres of fibre backbone have been deployed.
“These investments demonstrate our strong commitment to meaningful connectivity, with a focus on access, affordability, quality, digital skills, and inclusive content—ensuring no one is left behind, particularly women, youth, and persons with disabilities,” he added.
Kenya’s delegation to the meeting included H.E. Ambassador Ekitela Lokaale, Permanent Representative of Kenya to the United Nations; Ambassador Philip Thigo, Special Envoy on Technology; officials from the Communications Authority of Kenya; and representatives from the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs.
The WSIS+20 outcome reaffirmed the multistakeholder approach that has guided the WSIS process since its inception, highlighting collaboration among governments, the private sector, civil society, the technical community, and international organizations.
It also underscored the importance of trustworthy digital governance, online safety and security, predictable policy environments, and sustained international cooperation. Additionally, it elevated the role of the United Nations Internet Governance Forum (IGF) and strengthened WSIS follow-up and review mechanisms to ensure continued progress beyond the 20-year milestone.
