By Njeri Irungu.
Kenya has strengthened its position as a regional leader in data innovation and space technology following the opening of the Global Data Festival and Kenya Space Expo and Conference 2026 in Nairobi, bringing together more than 1,000 delegates from over 65 countries.
The international event, which combines the third edition of the Global Data Festival and the Kenya Space Expo and Conference, has attracted policymakers, researchers, innovators, development partners, technology experts and industry leaders seeking solutions to global development challenges through data-driven approaches.
Speaking during the official opening ceremony, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki said the conference presents a unique opportunity for stakeholders from around the world to exchange ideas, build partnerships and explore innovative ways of using data to improve lives and strengthen institutions.
Kindiki said data has become a critical resource in modern governance and development, noting that governments must invest in data systems with the same seriousness accorded to physical infrastructure projects such as roads, railways and energy networks.
He observed that accessible, reliable and inclusive data is essential for informed decision-making and for building resilient societies capable of responding to emerging economic, environmental and social challenges.
The Deputy President also called for greater involvement of young people in technology and innovation forums, saying they possess knowledge and skills that can significantly contribute to the country’s digital transformation agenda.
He urged organizers and institutions to provide young innovators with platforms to showcase their talents, adding that society should embrace “reverse mentorship,” where older generations learn from the expertise and creativity of young people.
The conference is being jointly hosted by the Kenya Space Agency, the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) and the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development Data, organizations that have collaborated to bridge discussions on data systems and space science.
Defence Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya welcomed international delegates to Kenya and praised the partnership behind the event, describing it as an important milestone in advancing global conversations on data, artificial intelligence, earth observation and other frontier technologies.
Tuya noted that the gathering recognizes the growing connection between data science and space technologies, both of which are becoming increasingly important in supporting evidence-based policymaking and sustainable development initiatives.
Special Envoy on Technology Philip Thigo said the conference comes at a crucial moment as countries work towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. He said discussions at the forum would focus on issues such as data interoperability, data governance, privacy, security and responsible data sharing.
According to Thigo, the modern data ecosystem extends far beyond government-generated statistics and increasingly includes information derived from telecommunications systems, satellite observations, geospatial technologies and digital platforms operating across borders.
He emphasized the need for governments and private sector organizations to collaborate in treating data as a public good capable of supporting sectors such as agriculture, health, education and climate resilience. He cited weather-related information collected by telecommunications infrastructure as an example of data that could benefit farmers and improve food production if shared responsibly.
The Special Envoy further linked strong data systems to economic growth and investment, noting that investors rely on accurate and credible information when assessing risks and opportunities in different markets. He said Kenya’s ability to attract approximately 984 million US dollars in investment last year was partly supported by the country’s strong data and regulatory frameworks.
KNBS Director General Macdonald Obudho described the event as historic, noting that it is the first Global Data Festival to be held on African soil. He said previous editions were held in Bristol, United Kingdom, in 2018 and Uruguay in 2023.
Obudho said the conference is bringing together data producers and users from government, private sector institutions, civil society organizations and academia to explore how different sources of information can be combined to address persistent data gaps. He highlighted Kenya’s growing use of citizen-generated data and revealed that the bureau has established a Data Science Centre to strengthen the use of artificial intelligence and machine learning in official statistics.
Jennifer Slotin, Chief Executive Officer of the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development Data, underscored the economic importance of investing in data systems, citing research showing that every dollar invested in data generates an average return of 32 dollars. She said stronger national data systems not only improve governance and social outcomes but also encourage private investment by providing the accurate information investors need to make informed decisions. As the conference continues, delegates are expected to develop new partnerships and strategies aimed at expanding access to quality data, strengthening data governance frameworks and leveraging space technologies to accelerate sustainable development across Africa and the world.
