KIGF Signals A Continent Ready To Lead

The 19th edition of the Kenya Internet Governance Forum (KIGF), held as the flagship event of the Africa Tech Policy Summit (AfTPS) 2026, delivered more than the usual policy conversations. It offered a powerful statement about Kenya’s growing role in shaping the future of digital governance on the continent.

Bringing together policymakers, technologists, civil society leaders, and industry stakeholders, the forum tackled pressing issues around artificial intelligence, internet governance, digital rights, and emerging technologies. But it was one striking demonstration that captured the spirit of the event and left the strongest impression on attendees.

During one session, hyper-realistic deepfake videos of former US President Barack Obama and former Vice President Kamala Harris appeared on screen delivering personalised messages to Kenyan tech leaders. The room initially responded with laughter before quickly falling silent as the implications became clear.

The demonstration served as a vivid reminder of the growing risks associated with generative AI and misinformation. As Dr. Grace Githaiga described it, the exercise became “a stark, entertaining, and highly necessary lesson” on the realities of the deepfake era.

The moment underscored a key theme running throughout the forum — the urgent need for governance frameworks capable of keeping pace with rapidly evolving technologies.

This year’s KIGF also highlighted how the forum has evolved beyond a regional policy gathering into a platform increasingly shaping continental and global conversations. Discussions ranged from algorithmic accountability and AI governance to regional policy harmonisation and digital inclusion, reflecting issues now central to global internet governance debates.

The event featured prominent voices from across Africa and beyond, including Ambassador Philip Thigo, Prof. Bitange Ndemo, Kamau Kunyiha, Nigeria’s ’Gbenga Sesan, Adam Lane, Eng. John Kipchumba CBS, and John Isaboke. Their participation reinforced Kenya’s growing influence within international digital policy circles.

The timing of AfTPS 2026 was especially significant as Kenya prepares to host the Global Internet Governance Forum later this year in December. The upcoming global event is expected to position Nairobi at the centre of worldwide discussions on internet governance, AI regulation, and digital rights.

A broad coalition of stakeholders supported the summit, including the Ministry of Information, Safaricom, Meta, TikTok, ICANN, KeNIC, CIPESA, Huawei, TESPOK, Paradigm Initiative, COVAW, and the European Union. Their involvement reflected the increasing importance of Africa’s voice in shaping the future of global digital policy.

Leadership at the summit also drew attention to the strength of Kenya’s digital policy ecosystem. Elizabeth Orembo chaired AfTPS 2026, while Barrack Otieno continued to lead the Kenya Special Interest Group (KeSIG) through KICTANet, demonstrating the country’s growing network of technically skilled and policy-driven digital governance actors.

Another defining feature of the event was the deliberate inclusion of young people. Gen Z participants were not treated merely as attendees but as active contributors to conversations about the future digital economy. Organisers incorporated energisers and interactive sessions throughout the programme, reinforcing the message that young people must play a central role in designing the governance systems that will shape their future.

As conversations throughout the forum repeatedly demonstrated, the challenge facing policymakers is no longer whether artificial intelligence should advance, but how societies can guide its development responsibly. Speakers emphasised the need for regulatory systems that are flexible enough to adapt to technological change while remaining strong enough to protect citizens and uphold digital rights.

With the Global Internet Governance Forum approaching in December, the 19th KIGF served as both a preview and a declaration of intent. Kenya is increasingly positioning itself not just as a participant in global digital governance conversations, but as a country ready to help lead them.