Kenya is set to host Ai Everything Kenya x GITEX Kenya, a new international technology and artificial intelligence event, from May 19–21, 2026, in Nairobi, as the country moves to expand its role as a digital and innovation leader in Africa.
The event, organised by KAOUN International, the team behind the global GITEX franchise, in collaboration with the Office of the Special Envoy on Technology of the Republic of Kenya and African tech platform dx⁵, will highlight Kenya’s expanding influence in emerging technologies. It also marks Kenya’s entry into the global GITEX calendar, which includes editions in the UAE, Singapore, Germany, and Nigeria.
With artificial intelligence alone projected to contribute $2.4 billion to Kenya’s GDP by 2030 and create more than 300,000 jobs by 2028, the Nairobi event is expected to attract global stakeholders and investors.
It will focus on catalysing cross-sector partnerships and showcasing Kenya’s growing digital infrastructure, including recent investments in hyperscale data centres, green industrialisation, and AI-focused innovation hubs.
“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. We are proud to lead this moment that places Africa on the global AI map, not just as consumers, but as creators and collaborators shaping a future rooted in our values and vision,” said Hon. William Kabogo Gitau, Cabinet Secretary for Information, Communications, and the Digital Economy.
Kenya’s foreign policy framework is also evolving to reflect this new technological priority. Dr. Korir Singoei, Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs, noted the timing of the event alongside the 2026 Global Data Festival as deliberate and strategic.
“This drive is anchored in Sessional Paper No. 1 of 2025, which, for the first time, elevated technology diplomacy alongside our traditional pillars and established a strategic framework for advancing international collaboration on emerging technologies. It reflects our commitment to deepen cooperation on data governance, AI regulation, and digital infrastructure, and to weave technology considerations into peacebuilding, trade negotiations, and development partnerships. By convening global stakeholders in Nairobi, we are showcasing that Africa’s diplomacy is evolving and up to task with the new and emerging trends of collaboration to address our greatest challenges,” he said.
Ambassador Philip Thigo, Kenya’s Special Envoy on Technology, said the event reaffirms Kenya’s role in global technology discourse and policy innovation.
“The hosting of Ai Everything Kenya is more than symbolic, it affirms Kenya’s stature as a trusted convener of global conversations on the future of technology. This moment reflects our commitment to harnessing emerging technologies such as AI not only to solve local challenges but also to shape global norms that are equitable, sustainable, and reflective of Africa’s development aspirations,” he said. “It is also a platform to showcase Kenya’s and Africa’s ingenuity – our capacity not only to adopt but to design, build, and export transformative technologies that reflect our values, realities, and ambitions.”
Private sector leaders echoed the importance of Kenya’s inclusion in the GITEX network.
“Ai Everything Kenya x GITEX Kenya is more than an event, it is a catalyst for Africa’s digital transformation. By bringing together global innovators, policymakers, and local talent, we’re creating a platform that not only showcases Kenya’s technological advancements but also fosters collaboration and investment across the continent.
“This is also a strong expression of confidence in Kenya’s status as a premier MICE destination – with the infrastructure, expertise, and vibrancy to successfully host global technology and innovation leaders,” said Harry Hare, Chairman and Co-founder of dx⁵.
Trixie LohMirmand, Executive Vice President of DWTC and CEO of KAOUN International, called the launch a milestone for the country and the broader East African digital economy.
“Kenya has already carved out an influential piece of Africa’s digital landscape – incubating and fuelling tech that is changing lives across the nation. The launch of Ai Everything Kenya x GITEX Kenya shall mark a pivotal milestone in Kenya’s digital journey and the rise of AI and digital economies across East Africa.
“This landmark event shall cast a unique global spotlight on the nation’s progressive policies, homegrown talent, emerging infrastructure, and bold ambitions, consolidating Kenya’s status as a competitive, influential force for technological change in the regional and global tech arenas. This shall ultimately unlock new avenues for cross-border collaboration between public and private sectors, elevating an increasingly dynamic and resilient regional ecosystem,” LohMirmand said.
The three-day event will feature a one-day global summit and a two-day exhibition focusing on six priority areas: artificial intelligence, agritech, cloud computing, cybersecurity, the Internet of Things, and sustainability. It is backed by global partners, including Gulfood, the world’s largest food trade show.
Ai Everything Kenya x GITEX Kenya is expected to become East Africa’s largest tech and startup showcase, reinforcing the country’s ambitions under its National Digital Master Plan and long-term development strategy, Vision 2030.
