𝗘𝗡𝗚𝗜𝗡𝗘𝗘𝗥𝗦 𝗔𝗧 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗛𝗘𝗔𝗥𝗧 𝗢𝗙 𝗞𝗘𝗡𝗬𝗔'𝗦 𝗞𝗘𝗬 𝗡𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗔𝗟 𝗜𝗡𝗙𝗥𝗔𝗦𝗧𝗥𝗨𝗖𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗘 𝗘𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝘀𝘆𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗺 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗿𝘆 𝗯𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱𝘀 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘁𝘀 𝗼𝗻 𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴. Today I received a delegation from The Institution of Engineers of Kenya ( @TheIEK ) led by the IEK President Eng. @harrison_keter , PE, MIEK and accompanied by members of the IEK Council Eng. Eng. Grace Muthoni Kagondu, FIEK, F.A.A.K. MBA, IEK Hon Secretary, Eng. Eng. Radiance Mungu, Chair Capital Branch, Eng. Nashon Tambo, PE, MIEK, MAAK(E) , IEK Council Member, Eng. Eng. Paul Ochola, CE, FIEK, MACEK, SMIEEE, Member Technical Papers, for a courtesy call on how we can work more closely in advancing Kenya's digital transformation agenda. Our discussions centred on bringing engineering professionals more firmly into the implementation of ICT programmes and projects, particularly in the development, expansion and diversification of digital infrastructure across the country. We covered capacity building and mentorship, research and innovation, and possible cooperation on technical engagement between the State Department and the Institution. We also explored how to create professional development pathways for graduate engineers, so that young professionals entering the field have a clear route into meaningful contribution to the growth of our ICT sector. I appealed for a deliberate push to have 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗜𝗖𝗧 𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗿𝗲𝗴𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗱. Stronger representation of the ICT discipline within the Institution will deepen the sector's technical capacity and give digital infrastructure the professional standing it requires. Engineers have the opportunity to shape this country's built environment and to sit at the table where decisions are made on all the critical infrastructure now under development. The Affordable Housing Programme, the County Aggregation and Industrial Parks (CAIPs) and the digital transformation of our health sector are all areas where engineering expertise is central to delivery. I called on the Institution to participate actively in the implementation and improvement of government programmes across the board. This conversation comes ahead of the 𝟯𝟯𝗿𝗱 𝗜𝗘𝗞 𝗔𝗻𝗻𝘂𝗮𝗹 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, running from 24th to 27th November 2026 under the theme "Intelligent Systems for Accelerated and Sustainable Growth" — a timely conversation on the role of intelligent systems and emerging technologies in accelerating sustainable development. I was accompanied by Secretary ICT Infrastructure Mr Washington Okoth among other officers #Engineering #Infrastructure #DigitalEconomy #Kenya #IEK

𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗯𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗿𝘆 𝗶𝘀 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘁𝗮𝗹𝗲𝗻𝘁.

𝗦𝗧𝗥𝗘𝗡𝗚𝗧𝗛𝗘𝗡𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗞𝗘𝗡𝗬𝗔–𝗚𝗘𝗥𝗠𝗔𝗡𝗬 𝗣𝗔𝗥𝗧𝗡𝗘𝗥𝗦𝗛𝗜𝗣 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗗𝗜𝗚𝗜𝗧𝗔𝗟 𝗧𝗥𝗔𝗡𝗦𝗙𝗢𝗥𝗠𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 Effective international partnerships are critical to accelerating Kenya’s digital transformation agenda and building the institutional capacity needed for a competitive digital economy. I held a meeting with a delegation from the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit ( @giz_gmbh ), led by Dr. Christoph @czipfi , Programme Director for Sustainable Economic Development, and Ms. Sylvia Lautenbach. The meeting provided an opportunity to formally introduce Ms. Sylvia Lautenbach as the new Programme Director/Acting Programme Manager for the Digital Transformation Centre (DTC II) Programme and reaffirm our shared commitment to advancing the programme’s implementation priorities. Our discussions focused on finalising the DTC II implementation agreements following feedback from the National Treasury and addressing outstanding matters relating to tax exemptions to facilitate effective programme implementation. The Kenya–Germany partnership remains an important platform for strengthening digital transformation, institutional capacity and the enabling environment for innovation and inclusive economic growth. Our focus remains on translating this cooperation into effective implementation and tangible outcomes for Kenya’s digital economy.

CHINA MOBILE INTERNATIONAL: UNLEASHING DIGITAL TALENTS, DRIVING INDUSTRY TRANSFORMATION The future of Kenya’s digital economy will be shaped by our ability to convert talent, research and innovation into solutions that address real-world challenges and create new industries. This morning, I joined China Mobile International, the University of Nairobi and JKUAT at the Radisson Blu, Nairobi Arboretum, to launch a four-month innovation programme connecting university talent with industry expertise, mentorship and pathways to market. My appreciation to Terry Leung, Regional Managing Director for Africa at China Mobile International, and his team, alongside Dr. Lawrence Nderu, Founder and Project Lead of JHub Africa, for bringing this partnership together. The programme goes beyond a conventional hackathon. Student teams, each paired with a CMI sponsor, will develop solutions across cloud computing, artificial intelligence, software engineering, IoT, data connectivity, big data analytics and emerging technologies, including digital twins, blockchain, cybersecurity and 5G. The focus is on practical innovation: working prototypes, measurable impact and solutions with the potential to scale. The top team will receive corporate development support from CMI to advance its solution towards market deployment. I particularly welcome the emphasis on gender-balanced teams. Building an inclusive digital economy means creating opportunities for all our talent to contribute to Kenya’s innovation journey. My message to the students was clear: the competition is only the beginning. Use the mentorship, collaborate across institutions and take your ideas beyond prototypes into viable products, enterprises and solutions that create value. Registration closes on 2 November 2026, with final presentations scheduled for 27 February 2027. I encourage eligible students at the University of Nairobi and JKUAT to seize this opportunity. #DigitalKenya #Innovation #AI #YouthInTech

Congratulations to Hon. @RindikiriM Mugambi, CBS, MP for Buuri Constituency, for being among the very first Members of Parliament to complete and exceed the target of establishing at least one digital hub in every ward. Buuri constituency with 5 wards now have 7 Digital hubs—in Ontulili, Timau, Kisima, Kibirichia, Kiirua and Tutua—demonstrate exemplary leadership and commitment to bringing digital opportunities closer to the people. Buuri also benefits from an additional digital hub at Kiirua Technical Training Institute, established under the programme to equip TVET institutions with digital hubs. These facilities will empower young people and other residents with digital skills, access to online work, entrepreneurship opportunities and government services, advancing our vision of an inclusive digital economy. Well done, Hon. Rindikiri, and all the partners making this transformation possible. Buuri is setting a strong example for constituencies across Kenya. @MoICTKenya

𝗥𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗮𝗶 𝗔𝗰𝗮𝗰𝗶𝗮 𝗗𝗮𝗶𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀: 𝗗𝗶𝗴𝗶𝘁𝗶𝘀𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗻𝗲𝘅𝘁 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗲𝗿 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗳𝗮𝗿𝗺𝗲𝗿𝘀 Today I graced the groundbreaking of 𝗥𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗮𝗶 𝗔𝗰𝗮𝗰𝗶𝗮 𝗗𝗮𝗶𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗖𝗼𝗼𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗦𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗲𝘁𝘆 𝗟𝘁𝗱's new four-storey facility in Nakuru County — a milestone for a society established only in 2019. The numbers tell the story: 𝟵𝟴𝟯 𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗳𝗮𝗿𝗺𝗲𝗿𝘀, 𝟭.𝟮𝟮 𝗺𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗿𝗲𝘀 collected last year, and a payout above 𝗞𝗘𝗦 𝟱𝟵 𝗽𝗲𝗿 𝗸𝗴. Backed by a solarised 2,500-litre chiller, a 500-litre pasteuriser, a milk ATM, and a partnership with Ravine Dairies. Women make up 51% of members. My message was simple: 𝟭. 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗱𝘂𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘀 𝗳𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁. Markets are opening — the EU partnership agreement, China, the UAE — but a market is only as good as what we can put into it. Transformation must be measured in the farmer's milk can and the farmer's pocket. 𝟮. 𝗣𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗳𝗲𝗲𝗱𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘂𝗻𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗲𝗱 𝗯𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀. Feed is the biggest cost in dairy. Until we bring it down, gains from better genetics and better markets keep leaking away — which is why County Aggregation and Industrial Parks matter, turning agro-processing by-products into affordable feed at scale. 𝟯. 𝗜𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗻𝗲𝘄 𝗱𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗱𝗲. Through the Ministry of Information, Communications and the Digital Economy, we are working with Agriculture and Livestock to put knowledge on feeds, genetics, milk quality and markets directly into farmers' hands. With AI, tailored to the individual farm — not the general public. And with fibre to public institutions through Kenya Power, plus work with operators to close coverage gaps. The society targets 6,000 litres a day. I challenged them to aim higher — the credit, the genetics and the knowledge are all within reach. 𝗔 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗼𝘂𝘀 𝗞𝗲𝗻𝘆𝗮 𝗰𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝗮 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁. It has to reach the household, the farm and every enterprise in between. Congratulations to Chairman 𝗦𝗮𝗺𝘂𝗲𝗹 𝗖𝗵𝗲𝗯𝘂𝗿𝗲𝘁 and the entire membership. Thank you to Dr. Patrick Ketiem (KALRO, and Patron of the society), Dr. Benadatte J. Misoi (@KAGRC_KE ), Dr. William Kimutai Maritim ( @KenyaDairyBoard), Mr. Philip Uluma, Dr. Nelson Tanui Maara, Mr. Kibet Kurgat and Director Andrew Kibet Komen for joining us. @MoICTKenya

𝗥𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗮𝗶 𝗔𝗰𝗮𝗰𝗶𝗮 𝗗𝗮𝗶𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀: 𝗗𝗶𝗴𝗶𝘁𝗶𝘀𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗻𝗲𝘅𝘁 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗲𝗿 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗳𝗮𝗿𝗺𝗲𝗿𝘀 Today I graced the groundbreaking of 𝗥𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗮𝗶 𝗔𝗰𝗮𝗰𝗶𝗮 𝗗𝗮𝗶𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗖𝗼𝗼𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗦𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗲𝘁𝘆 𝗟𝘁𝗱's new four-storey facility in Nakuru County — a milestone for a society established only in 2019. The numbers tell the story: 𝟵𝟴𝟯 𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗳𝗮𝗿𝗺𝗲𝗿𝘀, 𝟭.𝟮𝟮 𝗺𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗿𝗲𝘀 collected last year, and a payout above 𝗞𝗘𝗦 𝟱𝟵 𝗽𝗲𝗿 𝗸𝗴. Backed by a solarised 2,500-litre chiller, a 500-litre pasteuriser, a milk ATM, and a partnership with Ravine Dairies. Women make up 51% of members. My message was simple: 𝟭. 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗱𝘂𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘀 𝗳𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁. Markets are opening — the EU partnership agreement, China, the UAE — but a market is only as good as what we can put into it. Transformation must be measured in the farmer's milk can and the farmer's pocket. 𝟮. 𝗣𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗳𝗲𝗲𝗱𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘂𝗻𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗲𝗱 𝗯𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀. Feed is the biggest cost in dairy. Until we bring it down, gains from better genetics and better markets keep leaking away — which is why County Aggregation and Industrial Parks matter, turning agro-processing by-products into affordable feed at scale. 𝟯. 𝗜𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗻𝗲𝘄 𝗱𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗱𝗲. Through the Ministry of Information, Communications and the Digital Economy, we are working with Agriculture and Livestock to put knowledge on feeds, genetics, milk quality and markets directly into farmers' hands. With AI, tailored to the individual farm — not the general public. And with fibre to public institutions through Kenya Power, plus work with operators to close coverage gaps. The society targets 6,000 litres a day. I challenged them to aim higher — the credit, the genetics and the knowledge are all within reach. 𝗔 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗼𝘂𝘀 𝗞𝗲𝗻𝘆𝗮 𝗰𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝗮 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁. It has to reach the household, the farm and every enterprise in between. Congratulations to Chairman 𝗦𝗮𝗺𝘂𝗲𝗹 𝗖𝗵𝗲𝗯𝘂𝗿𝗲𝘁 and the entire membership. Thank you to Dr. Patrick Ketiem (KALRO, and Patron of the society), Dr. Benadatte J. Misoi (@KAGRC_KE ), Dr. William Kimutai Maritim ( @KenyaDairyBoard), Mr. Philip Uluma, Dr. Nelson Tanui Maara, Mr. Kibet Kurgat and Director Andrew Kibet Komen for joining us. @MoICTKenya

Happy Mashujaa Day. Today at Kipchoge Keino Stadium, H.E. President William Ruto reminded us that our heroes handed us a baton of freedom and that our generation's duty is to pass on a baton of opportunity. For this State Department, that baton is digital. And digital transformation is measured not in servers and fibre kilometres, but in what changes for a citizen. It is a patient whose records move with them from one facility to the next, because the systems behind our health services now talk to each other — part of the Usawa Healthcare reforms the President spoke of today. It is a young graduate who will apply for one of the 50,000 proposed national internship places from January 2027 through a transparent, digital and merit-based system. It is a phone in a young person's hand that is at once a classroom, a marketplace, a bank and an office — which is why the President has proposed removing the 25 per cent import duty on mobile phones. Our heroes fought for freedom. Our generation's duty is to build the systems that make that freedom ordinary — available to every Kenyan, wherever they live and whatever their circumstances. Usawa ni sawa. Mbele pamoja. #MashujaaDay2026 #DigitalSuperhighway #Usawa

PIONEER AFFORDABLE HOUSING: BUILDING SMARTER, CONNECTED COMMUNITIES FOR KENYA’S FUTURE 🇰🇪🏗️ Affordable housing is not simply about putting a roof over people’s heads. It is about building modern, inclusive communities where housing, digital connectivity, essential services and economic opportunity come together to improve the quality of life. Today, H.E. President William Samoei Ruto officially handed over and launched the Pioneer Affordable Housing Project in Eldoret City, marking a significant milestone in Kenya’s urban transformation agenda. Developed from a blueprint in January 2024, Pioneer comprises 15 residential blocks with 2,148 homes. Beyond housing delivery, the project has supported job creation, empowered local Jua Kali artisans and businesses, and incorporated 104 commercial shops, a supermarket, a clinic, a kindergarten and recreational facilities. Digital Transformation: Making Affordable Housing Future-Ready As we expand access to affordable housing, we are equally focused on ensuring that these homes are integrated into Kenya’s growing digital economy. The integration of fibre-optic infrastructure at Pioneer provides a foundation for reliable digital connectivity, supporting access to online services, remote work, digital entrepreneurship and emerging opportunities in the gig economy. This complements our broader national Digital Superhighway agenda, which is expanding fibre-optic connectivity, public Wi-Fi and digital hubs across the country. Together, these investments are helping create an environment where residents can access digital opportunities closer to where they live, work and raise their families. Our ambition is to ensure that affordable housing developments are not isolated residential estates, but connected communities equipped for the demands of a modern economy. Digital infrastructure must increasingly become an integral part of how we plan, develop and manage our urban spaces. As Eldoret advances as Kenya’s fifth city, Pioneer demonstrates the value of bringing housing, infrastructure, employment and technology together in one development model. The future of housing is not just about building homes. It is about building connected communities that expand opportunity, strengthen livelihoods and deliver lasting prosperity. Prospective homeowners can register through Boma Yangu by dialling *832#. #AffordableHousingKe #DigitalTransformation #DigitalKenya #BomaYangu #EldoretCity @HousingUrbanKE @MoICTKenya

Create. Learn. Earn. Today in Iten, together with Governor of Elgeyo Marakwet Hon. Wisley Rotich, we launched The Creator Journey with young creators from across the North Rift — and the lesson of the morning came from them, not from us. They shared on how a phone and a story can become a livelihood. Some established creators like Divina shared on how creators can brand and land brand work. Arap Uria shared on seizing the moment, Monk on getting paid, Gen Z Goliath and Festus Kir on the craft behind the content. A creator in Iten should be able to earn from the same platforms as a creator in Nairobi, and that depends on connectivity reaching rural Kenya. Our Wayleave Conversation brought the National Government, the County, regulators, infrastructure agencies, mobile network operators and platforms into one room on coordinated approvals and infrastructure sharing — so networks get built faster and cheaper where they are needed most. The commitments made today are on record, and we will track them. Under the Digital Superhighway and Creative Economy pillar of BETA, the State Department for ICT and the Digital Economy will keep opening up the infrastructure, the skills and the markets that let young Kenyans turn content into income. My thanks to H.E. Governor Wisley Rotich and the County Government of Elgeyo Marakwet for hosting us, to Make It Count Digital, and to every creator who made the trip to Iten. #TheCreatorJourney #CreateLearnEarn #DigitalSuperhighway #ElgeyoMarakwet

FROM PROTOTYPE TO IMPACT: TURNING INNOVATION INTO ECONOMIC VALUE Innovation creates value when ideas move beyond the laboratory to solve real-world problems, build enterprises and drive economic growth. Yesterday, Ms. Elizabeth Birgen, Director of Digital Skilling, represented me at the closing of the 15th Annual International Conference, Innovation Challenge and Expo (CIRIS 2026) at The The Eldoret National Polytechnic - #TENP . I commend Dr. Charles Koech, the organisers, innovators, mentors, judges and partners from The Cube Innovation Hub for advancing this agenda. Kenya’s next frontier is to bridge the gap between innovation and commercialisation. Our TVET institutions must be not only centres of learning, but also engines of enterprise, technology development and job creation. The measure of innovation is not the prototype we produce, but the impact we deliver.

𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗥𝗜𝗙𝗧 𝗩𝗔𝗟𝗟𝗘𝗬 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗢𝗣𝗣𝗢𝗥𝗧𝗨𝗡𝗜𝗧𝗬 𝗧𝗢 𝗕𝗨𝗜𝗟𝗗 𝗞𝗘𝗡𝗬𝗔'𝗦 𝗚𝗟𝗢𝗕𝗔𝗟 𝗕𝗨𝗦𝗜𝗡𝗘𝗦𝗦 𝗦𝗘𝗥𝗩𝗜𝗖𝗘𝗦 𝗜𝗡𝗗𝗨𝗦𝗧𝗥𝗬 The Rift Valley has the talent, institutional capacity and strategic potential to emerge as a major hub for Kenya's Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) and Global Business Services (GBS) industry. Today, together with my colleague 𝗣𝗦 𝗗𝗿. 𝗕𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗼 𝗞𝗶𝗽𝘀𝗮𝗻𝗴, 𝗖𝗕𝗦, Principal Secretary for Citizen Services, we convened the 𝗶𝗻𝗮𝘂𝗴𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗕𝗣𝗢 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗲𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝗥𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗘𝗹𝗱𝗼𝗿𝗲𝘁, bringing together national and county governments, industry players, investors and training institutions to identify practical measures for expanding the sector beyond Nairobi and creating jobs across the country. The global opportunity is substantial. The BPO market is valued at approximately 𝗨𝗦$𝟯𝟱𝟯–𝟯𝟱𝟴 𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗼𝗻, with annual growth of about 𝟵.𝟳%, driven by AI-enabled automation and the diversification of global service delivery locations. Kenya's broader GBS sector is valued at 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝗻 𝗨𝗦$𝟳𝟬𝟬 𝗺𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗼𝗻, with estimated annual growth of 𝟭𝟱–𝟭𝟴.𝟴%. These figures underscore Kenya's potential to capture a greater share of a rapidly evolving global industry. For Kenya, the opportunity extends beyond outsourcing services. It is about 𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗷𝗼𝗯𝘀 𝗮𝘁 𝘀𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗲, attracting investment, building digital capabilities and positioning our young workforce to participate meaningfully in the global economy. A key highlight was a panel discussion moderated by 𝗣𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝗔𝗹𝘄𝗮𝗹𝗮, Director of the BPO Department at KenInvest, featuring 𝗦𝘃𝗲𝗻 𝗗𝗲 𝗖𝗮𝘂𝘁𝗲𝗿, COO of Teleperformance for Kenya, Nigeria and Rwanda and Chair of the Outsourcing Association of Kenya (OAK); 𝗠𝗲𝗿𝗰𝘆 𝗠𝘂𝗴𝘂𝗿𝗲, CEO of Adept Technologies and Chair of the BPO Association of Kenya (BPOAK); 𝗗𝗮𝗻 𝗡𝗷𝗶𝗿𝗶𝗿𝗶, CEO of Lish AI; 𝗖𝗮𝗹𝗲𝗯 𝗡𝘆𝗼𝗶𝗿𝗼, Co-Director of Zone01 Kisumu; 𝗠𝗮𝗴𝗱𝗮𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗲 𝗖𝗵𝗲𝗽𝗸𝗲𝗺𝗼𝗶, Founder and CEO of EldoHub; and 𝗝𝗼𝘀𝗵𝘂𝗮 𝗠𝘄𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗸𝗶, CEO of OAK. The discussion explored how Kenya can strengthen its competitiveness in global business services, attract investment, develop job-ready talent and position emerging regional hubs such as the Rift Valley to capture a greater share of the global market. The engagement also brought together county leadership, including 𝗥𝗼𝗯𝗲𝗿𝘁 𝗞𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗶, County Executive Committee Member for ICT, Uasin Gishu County. The participation of county governments, including Baringo, reinforces the importance of intergovernmental collaboration in extending digital employment and investment opportunities beyond major urban centres. The Rift Valley's strong university ecosystem, including 𝗠𝗼𝗶 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘆 and the 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗘𝗹𝗱𝗼𝗿𝗲𝘁, provides an important foundation for developing the skilled workforce this industry requires. The priority now is to connect this talent to real work, build experience and create pathways into global markets. This calls for practical action: 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗴𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗹𝗼𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗕𝗣𝗢 𝗳𝗶𝗿𝗺𝘀, 𝗲𝗻𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗰𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗱𝗶𝗴𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝗹𝗼𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆, 𝗱𝗲𝗽𝗹𝗼𝘆𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗜𝗖𝗧 𝗲𝗾𝘂𝗶𝗽𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗶𝘁 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗱𝗲𝗹𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗴𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗰𝘁, and 𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗳𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗱𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗵𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘀𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝗻𝗳𝗿𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 with emerging investment opportunities. We are also advancing the policy and regulatory frameworks needed to strengthen the sector, including a 𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗕𝗣𝗢 𝗽𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗰𝘆, 𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸 𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗺𝗶𝘁 𝗮𝗿𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 and progress towards 𝗘𝗨 𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗮 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗾𝘂𝗮𝗰𝘆. These are important building blocks for positioning Kenya as a trusted destination for international business services.

𝗞𝗼𝗻𝘇𝗮 𝗛𝗮𝘀 𝗕𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗴𝗻𝗶𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝗯𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱 In Vienna this week, the State Department for ICT and the Digital Economy won the 𝗦𝗺𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗚𝗶𝗴𝗮𝗰𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗘𝘅𝗰𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱 at the World Broadband Association Broadband Excellence Awards 2026, for 𝗞𝗼𝗻𝘇𝗮 𝗖𝗶𝘁𝘆 — Africas first AI-operated Giga-City. We were shortlisted alongside CTM and the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications. My sincere thanks to Amb. Valerie Rugene, our Ambassador and Deputy Head of Mission @KenyaEmbVienna , who received the award on my behalf and on behalf of the Government and people of Kenya. For those of us who have spent years on this project, what this award validates is not a concept. It is work that was done. A 79-kilometre fibre backbone laid across the city. Smart poles and public Wi-Fi feeding an Intelligent Operations Centre that monitors the city in real time. A wastewater reclamation facility that recovers up to 90 per cent of treated water. An automated underground waste system. The Konza National Data Centre serving government and local businesses. And the The Open University of Kenya, Kenya Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (Kenya-AIST) and Riara University Univplaced deliberately inside the city, so that research sits next to enterprise. 𝗡𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝗱𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗯𝘆 𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗼𝗻. My appreciation goes to H.E. Dr William Samoei Ruto, whose leadership has kept digital infrastructure at the centre of the national agenda; to the Cabinet Secretary for Information, Communications and the Digital Economy; to the Technopolis Development Authority (formerly Konza Technopolis Development Authority); and above all to the engineers, planners, contractors and young innovators who have built Konza line by line, duct by duct, server by server. A word to the young engineers in particular: this award is yours. The world has just confirmed what you already knew — that work done to global standard in Kenya is recognised as global standard. 𝗪𝗲 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗲𝗱. Konza was always meant to be a model others could copy, not a monument others could admire. Our task now is to accelerate it, to connect it to the rest of the country, and to share what we have learned with cities across Africa facing the same questions we faced ten years ago. Asanteni sana.

Today in Eldoret. We are bringing operators, investors, counties and training institutions into one room to answer a single question: what would it take to put the first 1,000 global business services seats in the Rift Valley? Kenya’s GBS sector employs about 40,000 people today. The target is 100,000 quality careers by 2030 — and that growth cannot sit in Nairobi alone. 𝗙𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘆 16 𝗢𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗯𝗲𝗿 · 𝗘𝗹𝗱𝗼𝗿𝗲𝘁 𝗖𝗹𝘂𝗯 · 8:00 𝗔𝗠 Co-hosted with the County Government of Uasin Gishu, KenInvest and EldoHub. #RiftValleyGBS #1000Seats #DigitalKenya

A special evening back where my learning journey began. After accompanying H.E. President William Ruto during today’s events in Baringo, I visited my former primary school, Mwachon Comprehensive School, and spent time interacting with the learners. I was impressed by their curiosity, confidence and understanding of our country, as well as their observations on the changes taking place in their neighbourhood. Listening to their questions and aspirations was both encouraging and inspiring. We discussed ongoing development projects, including the nationwide deployment of smart digital boards in Junior Secondary Schools, and how technology can broaden their learning opportunities and connect them to knowledge beyond the classroom. Returning to the school that helped shape my own journey was a powerful reminder of the importance of investing in every child’s potential. To all candidates preparing for their examinations, I wish you success. Keep working hard, remain disciplined and dream boldly. Your beginnings can be the foundation of an extraordinary future.

𝗕𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗼 𝗜𝘀 𝗕𝗲𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗕𝘂𝗶𝗹𝘁 — 𝗥𝗼𝗮𝗱 𝗯𝘆 𝗥𝗼𝗮𝗱,𝗙𝗮𝗿𝗺 𝗯𝘆 𝗙𝗮𝗿𝗺, 𝗖𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗿𝗼𝗼𝗺 𝗯𝘆 𝗖𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗿𝗼𝗼𝗺 Today I had the privilege of accompanying 𝗛.𝗘. 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗪𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗮𝗺 𝗥𝘂𝘁𝗼 through Eldama Ravine and Kabarnet — two stops that, read together, tell one story about how Baringo is being rebuilt from the ground up. 𝗜𝗻 𝗘𝗹𝗱𝗮𝗺𝗮 𝗥𝗮𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗲, the President launched the Timboroa–Seguton–Moringwo–Poror–Magrib–Sirwa–Lawina Ochi road at Poror, flagged off last mile electricity connectivity, commissioned KMTC classrooms and laid the foundation stone for the administration block, and opened the Huduma Centre. 𝗜𝗻 𝗞𝗮𝗯𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗲𝘁, he inspected Kabarnet Stadium and the Kabarnet Town Affordable Housing project, laid the foundation stone of Kabarnet University College, and issued the Women Enterprise Fund county cheque. Roads to move produce. Power to run enterprise. Classrooms and a university college to train the workforce. Housing, stadia and markets to hold the people who will do the work. Capital to start the businesses. These sit alongside the flagship investments now taking root — 𝗦𝗽𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗘𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗰 𝗭𝗼𝗻𝗲𝘀, the 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝘆 𝗔𝗴𝗴𝗿𝗲𝗴𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗜𝗻𝗱𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗸𝘀 (𝗖𝗔𝗜𝗣𝘀), 𝗡𝘆𝗮𝘆𝗼 𝗧𝗲𝗮 𝗭𝗼𝗻𝗲𝘀 and 𝗞𝗔𝗟𝗥𝗢 upcoming centre in Koibatek — positioning Baringo as a hub for industrial growth, agricultural transformation and academic excellence. Together they open real room for job creation, innovation and sustainable growth, anchored by the county's deep pool of professional and technical expertise. 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗶𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗱𝗶𝗴𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗼𝗺𝘆 𝗶𝘀 𝗯𝘂𝗶𝗹𝘁 𝗼𝗻. Last mile connectivity and a Huduma Centre are not separate from that story — they are how a young person in Eldama Ravine reaches government services, markets and employers without leaving home. 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗶𝗻𝗳𝗿𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗶𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴. 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗼𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗻𝗼𝘄 𝗶𝘀 𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗰𝗹𝗮𝗶𝗺. #Baringo #DigitalKenya