Kenya is set to deepen its engagement in the global digital economy after the Digital Cooperation Organisation (DCO) Council approved the country’s candidature for membership, opening the way for its formal accession to the international body.The approval, made on 28 August, follows nearly two years of work towards Kenya’s accession. Albania, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Lebanon, Palestine, Syria and Zambia also received approval for their candidatures. Kenya is not yet a full member of the DCO. The decision starts the formal accession process, with membership taking effect once the country completes its national procedures and deposits its instrument of accession.For Kenya, the move could strengthen cooperation on digital policy, innovation, skills development and cross-border technology activity while giving the country access to tools and programmes designed to support digital economies.Kenya’s Special Envoy on Technology, Ambassador Philip Thigo, highlighted the potential benefits in a post announcing the development, pointing to practical digital tools, partnerships and opportunities for entrepreneurs as some of the areas that could benefit from membership.One of the tools he highlighted is the DCO’s Digital Economy Navigator, which benchmarks countries against 145 indicators. For Kenya, the platform could provide a clearer picture of its digital strengths and identify areas where further policy or infrastructure improvements are needed. The organisation also provides programmes aimed at helping technology companies and entrepreneurs expand into new markets.Amb. Thigo pointed to the DCO’s STRIDE and InvestConnect programmes, which connect startups and innovators with investors, markets and potential partners. He said participating startups have collectively raised more than $21 million. STRIDE supports startups seeking to scale across borders, while InvestConnect helps connect entrepreneurs to potential investors, markets and business opportunities. The broader significance for Kenya lies in the potential to connect its technology ecosystem with a wider network of countries pursuing digital transformation.The DCO was established in 2020 by Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. Its mandate covers digital policy, trade, skills, innovation and cross-border digital activity, with a broader focus on accelerating inclusive and sustainable growth in the digital economy. The organisation currently has 16 member states representing nearly 800 million people. If the eight newly approved candidatures complete their accession processes, that membership will grow to 24 countries representing approximately 980 million people.For Kenyan technology companies, the expanded network could create new opportunities for regional collaboration, market access and knowledge exchange. It could also give policymakers greater access to experiences from countries pursuing similar digital transformation agendas. The country has been expanding access to digital services and infrastructure through initiatives including public digital hubs, while digital-skills programmes are aimed at increasing the number of people able to participate in the digital economy.Kenya is targeting 120,000 people for digital-skills training over three years, reflecting the growing emphasis on building the human capital required to support a digital economy.Thigo credited the DCO leadership, Kenya’s diplomatic representatives and officials involved in the accession process, including DCO Secretary-General Deemah AlYahya and former Kenyan Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Mohamed Ruwange, as well as Cabinet Secretary for Information, Communications and the Digital Economy William Kabogo.The next step is for Kenya to complete the required national accession procedures.Once that process is concluded, membership will give Kenya another platform for shaping and participating in international discussions around the digital economy, while connecting its policymakers, businesses, startups and innovators to a wider digital ecosystem.
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Read briefing The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Kenya, the Ministry of Information, Communications and the Digital Economy (MICDE) and the Technopolis Development Authority have opened a national call for artificial intelligence use cases aimed at identifying and advancing practical AI solutions with the potential to deliver measurable development, public, environmental, research and economic value.As artificial intelligence continues to reshape economies, public services and innovation globally, Kenya is strengthening the foundations needed to translate the technology into solutions that address real-world challenges. The Artificial Intelligence Accelerator Programme brings together government, development, research and innovation capabilities to support the development and application of AI in ways that are safe, responsible and secure.Through the Open Call for AI Use Cases, public institutions, universities and research institutions, startups and innovators are invited to submit challenges, concepts and existing AI-enabled solutions at different stages of maturity. Selected use cases will undergo structured assessment to determine the suitability of AI, potential impact, data and technical readiness, implementation requirements, and relevant safety and governance considerations.Depending on needs and readiness, selected use cases may be supported through AI compute at the Technopolis Development Authority, data readiness and preparation, AI solution development and technical assistance, talent and capacity development, Responsible AI and assurance, research and technology partnerships, and ecosystem connections. Eligible startups may also be connected to investors, potential buyers, industry partners and market opportunities.John Paul Okwiri, Chief Executive Officer, Technopolis Development Authority adds, “The future will belong to countries that do not just consume AI but build it. Through this programme, the Technopolis Development Authority is creating pathways for Kenyan innovators, researchers and startups to develop AI solutions that address real-world challenges, create economic value and improve lives. Our role is to provide the infrastructure, partnerships and innovation ecosystem that will help position Kenya as Africa’s leading destination for technology and innovation.”The programme is designed to build a pipeline of accountable and locally relevant AI solutions that can strengthen public-service delivery, accelerate research and innovation, support environmentally sustainable growth, and contribute to Kenya’s broader social, environmental and economic development.Public institutions, universities and research institutions, startups and innovators with a relevant AI use-case concept, prototype, pilot or existing solution ready to scale are encouraged to apply https://ai.konza.go.ke/
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Read briefing Absa, Kenya Airways and Visa have launched the Asante Global Card, a co-branded travel-lifestyle credit card the three companies describe as the first of its kind in the Kenyan market. Announced on 31st August 2026 under the “Your Life Rewarded” campaign, the card is targeted at professionals, frequent travellers and premium banking customers, and is designed to convert everyday spending into travel and lifestyle rewards.The card brings together Kenya Airways’ route network, Absa’s local banking infrastructure and Visa’s global payments acceptance, marking what the partners say is the first time an airline, a bank and a payments network have combined on a single product in Kenya. Cardholders earn Asante Rewards Points on purchases, which can be redeemed across the Kenya Airways network. The name pairs “Asante” – Swahili for gratitude -with “Global,” a nod to the card’s usability on Visa’s worldwide network.John Njoroge, Country Manager for Kenya at Visa, linked the launch to a shift in consumer expectations. “We are seeing strong demand from Kenyan consumers for products that reward how they already spend and travel, and that demand is being driven by a generation that is earning more, travelling more and expecting more from the cards in their wallets,” he said. “The Asante Global Card responds to that directly, and we are pleased to bring our technology and global network to a card built for this market.”Points accrue across all transaction types, from routine purchases such as groceries, fuel and dining to travel bookings and international payments.Julius Thairu, Chief Commercial and Customer Officer at Kenya Airways, framed the card as an extension of the airline’s existing rewards strategy. “At Kenya Airways, we are constantly designing solutions that make travel more rewarding and accessible for our customers. This co-branded card is a natural extension of that commitment, allowing customers to earn travel rewards through their everyday spending,” he said. “As an airline that has connected Africa and the world for decades, we are proud to offer a product that turns daily transactions into opportunities for flights awards, point conversions and exclusive benefits across our network and partner airlines.”Absa Bank Kenya’s Consumer Banking Director, Moses Muthui, tied the partnership to the bank’s broader positioning. “This launch is a powerful reflection of our purpose of Empowering Africa’s Tomorrow, together… one story at a time. Every customer has a unique journey, and personal aspirations that extend beyond borders. Through innovative partnerships such as this, we are helping to unlock opportunities, connect people to the experiences that matter most, and enable them to write the next chapter of their story wherever in the world it takes them.”According to the companies, new Asante Global Signature cardholders will receive a welcome bonus of 10,000 Asante Rewards Points, while Platinum cardholders will get 5,000. The partners say the card also comes with airport lounge access, travel and medical insurance, extra baggage allowance and SkyPriority services, along with discounts through select shopping, dining and lifestyle partners locally and internationally, and access to golf and wine-tasting events.Applications are said to open on 1st September at asante.kenya-airways.com, with points accruing once an application is approved and the card activated.
Read briefing Magix Enga’s alleged wife has sparked discussion online after inviting the mothers of his children to bring them home so they can be raised and cared for together. In a message shared on social media, the woman assured the mothers that Magix Enga’s children would be welcomed and treated with love. “Watoto wa bwana yangu […]
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Read briefing Former Chief Justice David Maraga has published the complete report of the National Taskforce on Police Reforms after President William Ruto failed to release it nearly three years after receiving the document. The move follows an ultimatum Maraga issued last week. The retired top judge had challenged President Ruto to fulfill his constitutional obligation by making public the report delivered to State House on November 16, 2023. Maraga warned that if the executive failed to act, he would release the document himself. Taking to social media on Monday, the Chief Justice Emeritus shared access to the long-awaited findings. “Fellow Kenyans, here is the link to the Report of the National Taskforce on Improvement of the Terms and Conditions of Service and Other Reforms for Members of the National Police Service, Kenya Prisons Service and National Youth Service, widely referred to as the Maraga Taskforce report: https://maragareport.filedrop.me/s/policereforms,” Maraga wrote in a post on X on Monday. During a press briefing on the same day, Maraga demanded the full implementation of the taskforce’s recommendations for Kenya’s security sector. He pointed out serious inconsistencies in how officials have handled the proposed changes, pointing to the unveiling of new police uniforms on Friday as a key example. Maraga criticized the uniform rollout, stating that opacity and corruption al...
Read briefing Isiolo Governor Abdi Guyo has dismissed remarks by Democracy for Citizens’ Party leader and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who linked him, President William Ruto, and Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale to livestock theft and wider security concerns in the region. Guyo rubbished the claims as political posturing, urging Gachagua to stop using security and poaching allegations to intimidate local leaders and influence voters’ decisions. In the days leading up to his trip to the United States, Gachagua alleged that Governor Guyo and Health CS Aden Duale had involvement in cattle theft. “Hizi ngombe zenu zinaenda wapi? Zinapelekwa KMC (Kenya Meat Commission) kuchinjwa… Kasongo na Duale ndio wanatumana ziibiwe, wanauza KMC wanachukua pesa. Gavana Guyo wako pamoja na wao” (Where are your cows going? They are taken to KMC to be slaughtered… Kasongo and Duale are the ones sending people to steal them, they sell to KMC and pocket the money. Governor Guyo is working with them), Gachagua alleged. Governor Guyo questioned the timing and sincerity of Gachagua’s abrupt concern about regional security and banditry. He noted that although Gachagua previously held a senior national office, he did not address or resolve long-standing security challenges during his tenure. “Nilimjua akiwa deputy president. Sijawai sikia akiongea mambo ya banditry akiwa deputy president. Saa hii anaong...
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Read briefing Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris says she stepped back from her Makadara constituency parliamentary bid after consulting with Nairobi residents and engaging with ODM party leadership. In a statement released on Monday, August 31, Passaris said residents urged her to run for the Woman Representative seat again in the 2027 General Election. She added that serving Nairobians was a commitment she embraced wholeheartedly and that feedback from her supporters guided her decision to seek another term. “My desire to serve Makadara was genuine, but everywhere I went across Nairobi, the message was the same: What about us? Don’t we matter? We don’t want to lose you as our Woman Rep, Mama,” Passaris said. Passaris also noted that she reviewed opinion polls before deciding to abandon her Makadara MP bid. “So when that call came from the people and was reaffirmed through consultations with my party, ODM party leadership, feedback from Nairobi residents, and opinion polls, the direction became clear,” she said. Passaris Vows to Keep Woman Rep Post for ODM Passaris also said she plans to keep the Nairobi Woman Representative seat within the broad-based coalition. She noted that Baba built the party over 20 years, adding that she intends to play her part in protecting the seat for the broad-based arrangement as both the ODM and the broad-based candidate for Nairobi County Woman Rep...
Read briefing Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and the Council of Governors (CoG) have agreed to pursue a joint approach to resolve the long-running dispute over the pay and employment terms of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) workers. The breakthrough came during a Special Intergovernmental Budget and Economic Council (IBEC) meeting held at Kindiki’s official residence in Karen on Monday, August 31, 2026. National and county leaders convened to finalize the transition of UHC health workers to county governments and advance broader health sector reforms amid pressure over delayed absorption into county payrolls. Negotiating a Joint Approach Council of Governors Chairperson Ahmed Abdullahi revealed that county executive leaders tabled a proposal to break the deadlock that has persisted since 2017. He noted that governors offered health workers a deal and are waiting for their response before approaching the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) jointly. “As we negotiate this matter, in any case, nothing has moved on it since 2017, and as the leadership of the council, we offered them a deal. They were to get back to us on that deal, notwithstanding that SRC had said no,” Abdullahi said. Abdullahi expressed optimism that establishing a unified stance between county leadership and health workers would strengthen their bargaining position before the remuneration regulator. “We are hoping tha...
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