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By: Nana Theresa Timothy
Nairobi, Kenya – 22 May 2025 — The world’s largest technology exhibition brand, GITEX, has expanded into Kenya with the launch of Ai Everything Kenya x GITEX Kenya, marking a major milestone for East Africa’s digital and innovation ecosystem. The inaugural edition will run from 19–21 May 2026 in Nairobi and is projected to unlock US$2.4 billion in AI-driven economic value for Kenya by 2030.
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Kenya’s accelerated investment in key national growth and resilience drivers, including digital infrastructure, artificial intelligence factories, hyperscale data centres, and green industrialisation, sets the stage for this launch. The event will attract significant global attention and reinforce Kenya’s position as a leading regional technology powerhouse.
A Strategic Partnership Powering Kenya’s Digital Ambitions
KAOUN International, the global organiser of GITEX, is organising Ai Everything Kenya x GITEX Kenya in partnership with the Office of the Special Envoy on Technology of the Republic of Kenya and dx⁵, Africa’s leading technology driver. The event will debut in Nairobi as a landmark platform driving innovation, collaboration, and investment across the continent.
With Kenya’s AI market projected to contribute US$2.4 billion to GDP by 2030 and create more than 300,000 jobs by 2028, the event will spotlight the country’s growing leadership in artificial intelligence and digital transformation. It will also catalyse new partnerships and accelerate the responsible, inclusive deployment of emerging technologies.
GITEX’s Global Legacy Meets East Africa’s Innovation Hub
For over 45 years, GITEX has served as a gateway to global markets, capital, talent, and technology. Over time, the brand has expanded its footprint and now stages events across eight countries and five regions, including Germany, Morocco, Nigeria, Singapore, Thailand, the UAE, Vietnam, and Kazakhstan.
Against this backdrop, Kenya’s entry into the GITEX international portfolio positions Ai Everything Kenya x GITEX Kenya as East Africa’s largest tech and startup event, bringing together policymakers, technologists, academia, private sector leaders, civil society, creatives, and development partners on a single global platform.
Government Leaders Highlight Kenya’s Global AI Vision
Hon. William Kabogo Gitau, Cabinet Secretary for Information, Communications, and the Digital Economy, described the event as both recognition and responsibility.
“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 noted that AI, as outlined in the recently launched Kenyan AI Strategy, is a cornerstone 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).
Strengthening Technology Diplomacy and Global Cooperation
Dr. Korir Singoei, Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs, emphasized that hosting Ai Everything Kenya x GITEX Kenya alongside the 2026 Global Data Festival underscores Kenya’s ambition to establish Nairobi as a global hub for digital cooperation.
He referenced Sessional Paper No. 1 of 2025, which elevated technology diplomacy as a national priority and established a strategic framework for international collaboration on emerging technologies, data governance, AI regulation, and digital infrastructure.
“By convening global stakeholders in Nairobi, we are demonstrating that Africa’s diplomacy is evolving to meet the challenges and opportunities of the digital age.”
A Platform for Inclusive Innovation and Green Industrialisation
Ambassador Philip Thigo, Special Envoy on Technology, highlighted the broader national significance of the event, noting that it reflects Kenya’s leadership in shaping global technology conversations.
He also pointed to the vision of President William Ruto in championing inclusive development and green industrialisation through innovation.
“This is a platform to showcase Kenya’s and Africa’s ingenuity — not only our ability to adopt technology, but to design, build, and export solutions that reflect our values and development aspirations.”
Industry Leaders Applaud Kenya’s Growing Global Appeal
Harry Hare, Chairman and Co-founder of dx⁵, described the event as a catalyst for Africa’s digital transformation, emphasizing its role in fostering collaboration between global innovators, policymakers, and local talent. He also highlighted Kenya’s growing reputation as a premier MICE destination for global technology events.
Trixie LohMirmand, Executive Vice President of DWTC and CEO of KAOUN International, added that the launch marks a pivotal milestone in Kenya’s digital journey.
“Ai Everything Kenya x GITEX Kenya will cast a global spotlight on Kenya’s progressive policies, homegrown talent, emerging infrastructure, and bold ambitions, consolidating its status as a competitive force in the regional and global tech arenas.”
World-Class Programme and Key Focus Areas
The event will feature a one-day global summit and a two-day exhibition showcase, built around six core themes shaping Kenya’s emerging digital economy:
- Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- Agritech
- Cloud Computing
- Cybersecurity
- Internet of Things (IoT)
- Sustainability
Supported by Gulfood, the world’s largest food exhibition, Ai Everything Kenya x GITEX Kenya aims to redefine cross-sector collaboration, inspire public-private partnerships, attract investment, scale innovation, and accelerate Kenya’s digital transformation.
Further updates on the event will be announced in due course. For more information on GITEX, click here
