Nairobi, Kenya – August 15, 2024 – Ambassador Philip Thigo, MBS, Special Envoy on Technology for the Republic of Kenya, delivered a keynote address at the Kenya Internet Summit 2024 Day 2, emphasizing the importance of partnerships and inclusivity in leveraging technology to address global challenges and advance Kenya’s tech diplomacy.
During his address, Ambassador Thigo underscored the need for joint public-private investments in digital infrastructure to ensure widespread and reliable internet access. He highlighted the critical role of technology in addressing shared global challenges and promoting a safe, secure, inclusive, and trustworthy digital future.
“Emerging technologies, such as AI, must go beyond the hype,” Ambassador Thigo stated. “They should be designed, developed, and deployed to benefit everyone, including persons with disabilities.”
He further emphasized the importance of collaboration between the public and private sectors in Kenya, noting the country’s democratic framework and increasing seamless engagement across different arms of government. “This presents a real opportunity to ensure that our collaborations deliver real value to the people,” he said.
Ambassador Thigo also addressed the challenges of digital abuse, disinformation, misuse of technology, and online hacking, emphasizing that addressing these issues is crucial to achieving a safe, secure, inclusive, and trustworthy digital future.