Nairobi: Deputy President Prof. Kithure Kindiki has called on Kenya and African countries to invest more in the generation and management of locally relevant data, emphasizing its critical role in driving sustainable development, improving service delivery, and strengthening resilience against emerging challenges. Speaking during the official opening of the Global Data Festival 2026 and the Kenya Space Expo and Conference (KSEC) 2026, Prof. Kindiki underscored the growing importance of accurate and locally generated data in sectors such as agriculture, climate adaptation, disaster risk management, environmental monitoring, and land use planning.
According to Kenya News Agency, Prof. Kindiki highlighted the risks of overreliance on externally generated intelligence, noting that such data is often insufficiently responsive to Africa’s unique realities and development needs. He urged governments across the continent to strengthen national data systems and develop sustainable financing mechanisms to support data infrastructure as a core component of national development. The Deputy President emphasized the necessity of quality data for planning and implementing effective interventions at critical service delivery points, including health facilities, schools, and infrastructure projects.
The landmark conference, being hosted in Africa for the first time, has attracted more than 1,000 delegates from over 65 countries. Participants include representatives from governments, international organizations, civil society, academia, data institutions, technology innovators, and the private sector. The Global Data Festival 2026 and KSEC 2026 aim to explore the transformative potential of data and space technologies in accelerating innovation, enhancing public service delivery, strengthening governance, and advancing sustainable development.
Organizers say the conference will provide a platform for stakeholders to deepen discussions on how data and space technologies can unlock economic opportunities, create jobs, and support the government’s Digital Superhighway agenda. The ICT Authority reaffirmed its commitment to promoting data-driven innovation, strengthening digital infrastructure, and supporting initiatives that position Kenya as a leading digital and innovation hub in Africa.
