By News Desk
Deputy President Prof. Kithure Kindiki today officially opened the Global Data Festival and the Kenya Space Expo Conference 2026 in Nairobi, underscoring the critical role of data, digital innovation, and space technologies in driving sustainable development, economic growth, and improved public service delivery.
The high-level event, co-hosted by the Kenya Space Agency, the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS), and the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development Data, brought together government leaders, innovators, researchers, industry experts, development partners, and delegates from over 65 countries to explore how data and space technologies can be harnessed to address real-world challenges and improve livelihoods.
Speaking during the opening ceremony, Prof. Kindiki said the convergence of the two global platforms reflects a defining reality of the modern world—that effective decision-making increasingly depends on the availability, accessibility, and integration of both terrestrial and space-based data.
“The ability to harness complementary sources of information is essential in strengthening our capacity to respond to complex social, economic, environmental, and security challenges facing nations today,” said the Deputy President.
Prof. Kindiki noted that Kenya continues to make significant progress in its digital transformation agenda through strategic investments in satellite technologies, digitization of government services, expansion of digital connectivity, cybersecurity enhancement, and digital skills development.
He emphasized that these investments are improving governance and service delivery while creating new opportunities for innovation, entrepreneurship, economic growth, and national resilience.
The Deputy President further observed that concepts such as artificial intelligence, digital transformation, geospatial intelligence, and space technologies are no longer emerging trends but are rapidly becoming essential tools in government operations, national planning, economic development, disaster preparedness, and public service delivery.
“As we embrace the Fourth Industrial Revolution, Kenya remains committed to leveraging technology and data-driven solutions to accelerate sustainable development and improve the quality of life for all citizens,” he stated.
The conference also provided a platform for stakeholders to discuss the future of data governance, digital innovation, climate resilience, smart agriculture, urban planning, and the growing role of space technologies in achieving national and global development goals.
Among the distinguished guests present were Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs Dr. Korir Sing’oei, Principal Secretary for ICT and Digital Economy Eng. John Tanui CBS, Kenya’s Special Envoy on Technology Amb. Philip Thigo, Kenya Air Force Commander Major General Bernard Waliaula, Chief Executive Officer of the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development Data Ms. Jenna Slotin, Ambassadors, High Commissioners, Chief Executive Officers, and representatives from international organizations and institutions across more than 65 countries.
The Global Data Festival and Kenya Space Expo Conference 2026 is expected to foster international collaboration, innovation, and knowledge-sharing while positioning Kenya as a leading hub for digital transformation, data innovation, and space technology development in Africa.
