The Kenya Internet Summit 2024 is set to be a key event in the digital landscape of East Africa. The summit will take place on August 14th and 15th.
The summit aims to bridge the digital divide and unleash the power of partnerships across Kenya’s tech sector.
This goal aligns with the Kenya Network Information Centre’s (KeNIC) vision to boost online presence for small businesses, schools, and government institutions.
KeNIC has set ambitious targets, including reaching 300,000 .KE domains by 2026 and 1 million by 2030.
Attendees can expect to learn about expanding internet connectivity, the role of government policies in digital inclusion, and strategies for empowering entrepreneurs through domain investment.
The event will also feature networking opportunities and the 8th Annual .KE Registrar Awards, recognizing top performers in Kenya’s domain registration industry.
Summit overview
The Kenya Internet Summit 2024 is set to be a pivotal event in the country’s digital landscape. It will bring together key stakeholders to discuss bridging the digital divide and fostering partnerships for growth in the digital economy.
Agenda and themes
The summit will focus on “Bridging the Digital Divide & Unleashing the Power of Partnerships.” This theme underscores the event’s commitment to digital inclusion and collaboration.
Key topics include:
- Understanding the digital divide
- Expanding internet connectivity
- Partnerships for digital inclusion
- Government policies and regulations
- Impact of digital divide on education
- Empowering entrepreneurs through domain investment
These discussions aim to address disparities in technology access and promote universal connectivity.
Keynote speakers
The event will feature a diverse lineup of speakers, including:
- Andrew Mwanyota Lewela, CEO of KeNIC
- Moses Kemibaro, CEO of Dotsavvy
- Fidel Mwaki, Managing Partner at FMC Advocates
- Paul Kariuki, KeNIC Chairman
These experts will share insights on various aspects of digital inclusion and domain management.
Schedule of events
The summit will take place on August 14th and 15th, 2024. Each day is packed with informative sessions and networking opportunities.
Day 1 highlights:
- Opening remarks by KeNIC CEO and Chairman
- Panel discussions on domain monetization and infrastructure development
- Presentations on KeNIC’s strategic plan and new mobile application
Day 2 will feature:
- Continued panel discussions on digital literacy and financial inclusion
- Sponsor presentations
- Networking sessions and exhibition tours
The event aims to foster collaboration and drive Kenya’s digital growth.
Technological advancements
Kenya’s digital landscape is evolving rapidly. New technologies are transforming industries and creating opportunities for growth and innovation across the country.
Innovation and AI
Artificial intelligence is making waves in Kenya’s tech sector. Companies are using AI to improve customer service, automate processes, and develop new products.
Chatbots now handle customer inquiries for many businesses. Machine learning algorithms help banks detect fraud and assess loan risks.
AI is also driving innovation in healthcare. Some hospitals use AI-powered systems to analyze medical images and assist with diagnoses. Researchers are exploring AI applications in agriculture to boost crop yields and manage pests.
The Kenya Internet Summit will showcase how AI is shaping Kenya’s digital future. Attendees will learn about the latest AI trends and their impact on various industries.
The Role of domain names
Domain names play a crucial part in Kenya’s online presence. They help businesses and organizations establish their digital identity. The .ke domain is Kenya’s country code top-level domain (ccTLD).
KeNIC manages .ke domains for all Kenyans. They aim to increase .Ke domain registrations to 300,000 by 2026 and 1 million by 2030. This growth will boost Kenya’s digital economy and online visibility.
.Ke domains offer several benefits:
- Better local search engine rankings
- Stronger connection with Kenyan customers
- Improved brand trust and credibility
The summit will explore strategies for domain monetization and investment. Experts will share tips on leveraging domains for business growth.
Emerging digital technologies
Beyond AI, other technologies are reshaping Kenya’s digital landscape. These include:
- Blockchain: Used for secure, transparent transactions in finance and supply chains.
- Internet of Things (IoT): Connecting devices to improve efficiency in homes, factories, and cities.
- 5G networks: Enabling faster, more reliable internet connections.
- Cloud computing: Providing scalable, cost-effective IT solutions for businesses.
These technologies create new opportunities and challenges. The summit will address how Kenya can harness their potential while ensuring cybersecurity and data privacy.
Experts will discuss the impact of these technologies on various sectors, including finance, healthcare, and education. Attendees will gain insights into preparing for the digital future.
Connectivity and infrastructure
The Kenya Internet Summit 2024 focuses on improving digital access across Africa. Key areas include expanding networks, closing gaps in connectivity, and building lasting tech systems.
Bringing connectivity to Africa
The Connected Africa Summit 2024 aims to boost internet access on the continent. It brings together leaders from government, business, and tech fields. The summit looks at ways to spread digital networks to more areas.
Plans include:
- Building more cell towers in rural regions
- Laying fiber optic cables to connect cities
- Using satellites for hard-to-reach places
These efforts could help millions get online. Better internet can lead to more jobs, education, and growth.
Bridging the digital divide
Many Africans still lack internet access. This gap is called the digital divide. The summit tackles this issue head-on.
Key points:
- Training programs to teach digital skills
- Low-cost devices for students and families
- Public Wi-Fi spots in towns and villages
The Kenya ICT Authority plays a big role. It works to make sure all groups can use the internet. This includes women, rural areas, and people with disabilities.
Sustainable ICT networks
The summit also looks at how to keep networks running long-term. This means using clean energy and tough equipment.
Ideas being discussed:
- Solar-powered internet towers
- Recycling old tech devices
- Training local teams to fix and maintain systems
These steps can help Africa build lasting digital networks. The goal is to create systems that work well for years to come.
Economic growth and investment
The K2024 summit aims to boost economic growth and attract investment to the digital sector. It focuses on unlocking regional potential, fostering collaboration, and drawing global investors to Kenya’s thriving tech ecosystem.
Unlocking regional growth
The summit plans to showcase Kenya’s digital economy strengths. It will highlight success stories of local tech startups and established firms.
Talks will cover how digital tools can help small businesses grow. Experts will discuss ways to spread internet access to rural areas.
Key topics include:
- E-commerce opportunities
- Mobile money innovations
- Cloud computing for businesses
- Digital skills training programs
The goal is to show how tech can create jobs and wealth across Kenya. Speakers will share ideas on building a stronger digital infrastructure nationwide.
Fostering stakeholder collaboration
Working together is vital for Kenya’s digital growth. The summit will bring together:
- Government officials
- Tech company leaders
- Investors
- Education experts
- Civil society groups
These groups will talk about joint projects to boost the digital economy. They’ll look at ways to:
- Improve tech education
- Update laws for the digital age
- Support new startups
- Protect online privacy and security
The Kenya Network Information Centre (KeNIC) wants to grow .KE domains to 300,000 by 2026. This goal needs teamwork from many players in Kenya’s internet world.
Attracting global investors
Kenya aims to become East Africa’s top tech hub. The summit will show why global investors should choose Kenya. It will cover:
- Tax breaks for tech firms
- Skilled workforce availability
- Growing local market size
- Stable business climate
Talks will explain how foreign cash can help local startups grow. Success stories of past investments will be shared. The summit wants to prove Kenya is ready for big tech projects.
Planned events include:
- Pitch sessions for startups
- One-on-one meetings with investors
- Tours of tech parks and hubs
The Connected Africa Summit part will focus on wider African tech growth. It aims to draw investors looking at the whole continent.
Policy and Governance
The summit will also focus on key policy and governance issues shaping Kenya’s digital landscape. These include regulatory frameworks, multi-stakeholder partnerships, and domain management practices aimed at fostering a secure and inclusive internet environment.
Regulatory Landscape
Kenya’s internet regulatory landscape is evolving to address new challenges.
The Communications Authority of Kenya plays a central role in overseeing policies that impact internet access and usage. Recent initiatives aim to:
- Expand broadband access to rural areas
- Protect user privacy and data
- Combat cybercrime and online fraud
- Promote fair competition among service providers
Policymakers are working to balance innovation with consumer protection. New regulations focus on emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things.
Partnerships and policymaking
Multi-stakeholder collaboration is key to effective internet governance in Kenya. The summit highlights partnerships between:
- Government agencies
- Private sector companies
- Civil society organizations
- Academic institutions
These groups work together to develop policies that:
- Bridge the digital divide
- Promote digital literacy
- Ensure equitable access to online services
The Kenya Internet Governance Forum serves as a platform for diverse stakeholders to engage in policy discussions. It allows for inclusive dialogue on pressing internet issues facing the country.
Domain management and security
Key domain management priorities include:
- Streamlining registration processes
- Implementing robust security measures
- Promoting local content development
KeNIC works with ICANN and other regional bodies to align .ke domain policies with global standards. This ensures the stability and security of Kenya’s domain space. We are also working on efforts to enhance cybersecurity and combat domain abuse.
