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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | DAY 2 · WEDNESDAY 20 MAY 2026 | NAIROBI, KENYA |
Nairobi commits to long-term hosting of AI EVERYTHING KENYA X GITEX KENYA |
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Governor Sakaja Johnson pledges 100 percent commitment to host GITEX network in Nairobi, calling for a permanent place in Nairobi |
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Nairobi, Kenya – 20 May 2026: Nairobi has committed to a long-term engagement with AI EVERYTHING KENYA X GITEX KENYA, with Governor Sakaja Johnson pledging leadership and support as the inaugural three-day event enters its final day tomorrow (21 May) at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC). |
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Addressing delegates at the AI EVERYTHING EXPO inauguration ceremony today (20 May) – where thousands of visitors attended on the opening morning – Governor Sakaja outlined Nairobi’s ambition to become a permanent participant in the global GITEX network – the world’s largest tech and AI event network. |
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“I want to assure you of 100 percent dedication, and I am personally going to lead it,” said Governor Sakaja. |
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“We are willing to collaborate and to partner with AI EVERYTHING KENYA X GITEX KENYA beyond the current edition. We are prepared to become permanent participants in this global network. This will not be the first time.”
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Governor Sakaja grounded his commitment in Nairobi’s advancement and the need for increased investment in AI in the city. The City noted the need for investment in AI and digital adoption — from intelligent traffic systems and AI-enabled air quality monitoring to NFC-powered school meals reaching 326,000 children and a unified digital business permit that has driven city revenue up 55 percent in three years. He cited M-Pesa as the foundation of a city that has learned to trust technology ahead of almost any other African urban centre. |
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“As governor of this city, I take a very pragmatic approach to artificial intelligence,” he added. “AI serves as a catalyst and facilitator in developing the Nairobi we envision – a city characterised by order, dignity, hope, and opportunity for all. Our people have learned to trust technology, and once you have trusted technology with sending money through M-Pesa, uptake on anything else is much easier.” |
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The Governor also called on startups present to develop solutions ready for direct deployment in Nairobi, pledging city investment and investor connectivity in return: “To the startups here today, please develop solutions that are ready for deployment in our capital city. We will invest in them. Please view Nairobi as a significant market with tangible demand across urban systems and the capacity to take up new technology faster than anywhere else on the continent.” |
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AI EVERYTHING KENYA X GITEX KENYA is organised by inD, the global organiser of GITEX events, in collaboration with the Office of the Special Envoy on Technology of the Republic of Kenya. H.E. Ambassador Philip Thigo, Special Envoy for Technology in the Government of Kenya – a central architect of Kenya’s AI investment agenda – set the broader national context in his own address to delegates. |
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“Africa’s role in AI must be recognized as an investment first agenda. AI is not only about ICTs — AI is literally AI everything. The continent still lags behind in AI infrastructure, connectivity, and energy, but we possess everything around artificial intelligence from mine to model: whether it is green minerals, data, talent, emerging compute infrastructure, or the opportunity to create new industries. The Silicon Savanna has come of age and Africa is open for business, open for investment, and ready to shape the future of artificial intelligence.”
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Eng. John Tanui, Principal Secretary, Kenyan Ministry of ICT and the Digital Economy, also addressed delegates, reinforcing Nairobi’s commitment with a national infrastructure perspective: “Many industrial revolutions have come in the past, and Africa and Kenya have not been at the centre of them. But this is happening at a time when our continent is emerging as a key destination for investment and as the region hosting the global talent that will drive the next industrial revolution.” |
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“We have laid the necessary infrastructure as a nation: connectivity to the global network through our submarine cables, cross-border links to Ethiopia, Djibouti, Uganda, and Tanzania, and more than 22,000 government services available to citizens 24 hours a day, seven days a week.”
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Running until tomorrow (21 May), AI EVERYTHING KENYA X GITEX KENYA features 280-plus enterprises and startups, including 60 percent first-time exhibitors at a B2B tech event in Kenya, while gathering thousands of tech executives from 75 countries, including 120 expert speakers alongside 100 investors managing US$50 billion in assets under management. |
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Trixie LohMirmand, CEO of the global organiser of GITEX, said: |
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“The long-term cohesive commitment from Nairobi reflects the conviction, ambition and execution mindset of a city and country determined to lead Africa’s intelligent economy. Nairobi has already transformed global fintech and digital adoption through bold innovation, and today it stands at the forefront of Africa’s AI future, with the talent, policy momentum and entrepreneurial energy to become one of the world’s most exciting AI growth capitals. We are in great anticipation of the meaningful impact Kenya can bring to the new AI world order.”
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More information is available at aieverythingkenya.com. |
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–ENDS– |
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Follow us on social media: #aieverythingkenya |
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Media Contact |
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Gareth Wright |
James Wambua |
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About AI EVERYTHING KENYA X GITEX KENYA |
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AI EVERYTHING KENYA X GITEX KENYA, taking place from 19–21 May 2026, is East Africa’s premier platform for artificial intelligence, innovation, and emerging technologies. The event brings together global leaders, policymakers, startups, investors, and enterprises to shape the future of Africa’s digital economy. The AI EVERYTHING KENYA X GITEX KENYA Summit will be held at the Sarit Expo Centre on 19 May, followed by the AI EVERYTHING KENYA X GITEX KENYA Expo and Conference on 20–21 May at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre. The show is organised by inD, global organisers of GITEX, and serves as a gateway for international companies entering Africa and a launchpad for African innovation to scale globally. Through high-level summits, exhibitions, and investment forums, the event fosters collaboration, accelerates digital transformation, and positions Kenya as a leading hub for inclusive and impactful AI development across the continent. For more information, visit www.aieverythingkenya.com. |