The Kenya Internet Governance Forum (KIGF) is an annual meeting that brings together various stakeholder groups to dialogue on ICT and Internet policy. While the discussions give soft policy outcomes, the Kenya Internet Governance Forum is a knowledge-sharing platform that informs and inspires policy actors in both the public and private sectors. The national forum …
READ MORE
KeSIG’s mission is to increase the capacity of key actors and potential actors in the local internet governance space. These include traditional human rights defenders and civil society organizations, students, academia, the tech community, and government departments.
These actors are also commissioned to participate in international internet policymaking thereby contributing African perspectives in global debates.
The IGF week has a series of activities including the Kenya School of Internet Governance (KeSIG), policy briefs dissemination workshops, and culminates in the flagship Kenya Internet Governance Forum.
Several events will be held during the Kenya IGF week. These are Kenya School of Internet Governance (KESIG), Training on Access to internet and public participation for women, Data Protection and Privacy event for the Youth, the Kenya Youth IGF, and finally the Kenya Internet Governance Forum
Prior to joining the Ministry, Eng. Tanui was the Chief Executive Officer of the Konza Technopolis Development Authority (KoTDA) for over 7 years, Deputy Country CEO and Vice President of Huawei Technologies responsible for Kenya, Tanzania, Somalia and Djibouti and the Director of Technical Service Department in the same organization that he served for over of 15 years.
With over 17 years in the ICT industry and international business management, Eng. Tanui has worked in several countries in Africa and also in China acquiring knowledge and experience in Business and project management, he has keen interest and expertise in Engineering Turnkey Projects, Innovations, setup and management of industry collaborations and partnerships. He is passionate about how technology can be utilized to solve challenges facing economies.
He holds a Bachelor’s Degree of Technology in Electrical and Communication Engineering from Moi University and MBA in International Business from the University of Nairobi where he is currently pursuing PhD in global business management. He is a member of the Institution of Engineers of Kenya (MIEK), a registered engineer and a member of the Academy of International Business.
Eng. Tanui is an active ICT professional who was profiled as tenth in the 2012 Top 40 under 40 by the Business Daily (Nation Media Group). He is a Council Member of Jomo Kenyatta University of Science and Technology, a council member of IEK (Institution of Engineers of Kenya) where he chairs industrialization, Environment and quality assurance committee and also serves as committee member for Advocacy, Journal and Publicity. Previously, he served as the University Council Vice Chairman at Technical University of Kenya and also as an Advisory Council Member of the Presidential Digital Talent Program.
Prior to joining the Ministry, Eng. Tanui was the Chief Executive Officer of the Konza Technopolis Development Authority (KoTDA) for over 7 years, Deputy Country CEO and Vice President of Huawei Technologies responsible for Kenya, Tanzania, Somalia and Djibouti and the Director of Technical Service Department in the same organization that he served for over of 15 years.
With over 17 years in the ICT industry and international business management, Eng. Tanui has worked in several countries in Africa and also in China acquiring knowledge and experience in Business and project management, he has keen interest and expertise in Engineering Turnkey Projects, Innovations, setup and management of industry collaborations and partnerships. He is passionate about how technology can be utilized to solve challenges facing economies.
He holds a Bachelor’s Degree of Technology in Electrical and Communication Engineering from Moi University and MBA in International Business from the University of Nairobi where he is currently pursuing PhD in global business management. He is a member of the Institution of Engineers of Kenya (MIEK), a registered engineer and a member of the Academy of International Business.
Eng. Tanui is an active ICT professional who was profiled as tenth in the 2012 Top 40 under 40 by the Business Daily (Nation Media Group). He is a Council Member of Jomo Kenyatta University of Science and Technology, a council member of IEK (Institution of Engineers of Kenya) where he chairs industrialization, Environment and quality assurance committee and also serves as committee member for Advocacy, Journal and Publicity. Previously, he served as the University Council Vice Chairman at Technical University of Kenya and also as an Advisory Council Member of the Presidential Digital Talent Program.
Grace is A C-Level Visionary Leader and Expert in ICT Policy Advocacy and Regulation, and an inspiring people Manager with mentoring and coaching experience.
She is a Strong professional with over 20 years experience in Partnerships Building, influencing and shaping policy direction, Research, Training, Resource Mobilization, Strategic Networking, Development and Convening of ICT Networks, and Support and Promotion to Community Broadcasting.
Apart from being CEO at KICTAnet, She is a Board Member of the International Association of Women in Radio and Television (IWART) and the Kenya Community Media Network (KCOMNET).
Grace is sensitive and a respecter of cultural differences with an ability to work in a wide variety of cultural contexts.
Grace is A C-Level Visionary Leader and Expert in ICT Policy Advocacy and Regulation, and an inspiring people Manager with mentoring and coaching experience.
She is a Strong professional with over 20 years experience in Partnerships Building, influencing and shaping policy direction, Research, Training, Resource Mobilization, Strategic Networking, Development and Convening of ICT Networks, and Support and Promotion to Community Broadcasting.
Apart from being CEO at KICTAnet, She is a Board Member of the International Association of Women in Radio and Television (IWART) and the Kenya Community Media Network (KCOMNET).
Grace is sensitive and a respecter of cultural differences with an ability to work in a wide variety of cultural contexts.
Mercy is a seasoned professional with over fifteen years’ experience in the tech and digital sectors. In her current role, Mercy is responsible for supporting and advising Facebook on policy and regulatory dynamics in the region while creating the opportunity to have a more inclusive, open, safe, and connected Eastern Africa. Her work involves day to day management of relevant public policy interests, advocacy on topical issues in the digital space, building stakeholder networks and Government relations. Mercy also works in tandem with Facebook’s wider cross-functional teams to advance user safety online, internet access and inclusion, electoral integrity, implement policy programs on social and economic empowerment, promote digital rights and support Connectivity Initiatives in the region. In this role, Mercy also communicates Facebook’s position on key policy issues and developments to various publics.
Prior to joining Facebook, Mercy held various senior management positions at Safaricom PLC and the GSM Associations where her roles included Public Policy Advisory and Advocacy, Competition Management, Regulatory Affairs, Government Relations, International & Wholesale Business Management, Digital Inclusion, Online Safety amongst others, within the East and wider Sub-Saharan Africa regions. In 2017 and 2018, Mercy was a board member and the Chair of the Telecoms Assembly within the East Africa Communications Organization. She is currently a board member of InAble.org, a non-profit organization that advocates for digital accessibility and inclusion for persons with visual disability.
Mercy is a seasoned professional with over fifteen years’ experience in the tech and digital sectors. In her current role, Mercy is responsible for supporting and advising Facebook on policy and regulatory dynamics in the region while creating the opportunity to have a more inclusive, open, safe, and connected Eastern Africa. Her work involves day to day management of relevant public policy interests, advocacy on topical issues in the digital space, building stakeholder networks and Government relations. Mercy also works in tandem with Facebook’s wider cross-functional teams to advance user safety online, internet access and inclusion, electoral integrity, implement policy programs on social and economic empowerment, promote digital rights and support Connectivity Initiatives in the region. In this role, Mercy also communicates Facebook’s position on key policy issues and developments to various publics.
Prior to joining Facebook, Mercy held various senior management positions at Safaricom PLC and the GSM Associations where her roles included Public Policy Advisory and Advocacy, Competition Management, Regulatory Affairs, Government Relations, International & Wholesale Business Management, Digital Inclusion, Online Safety amongst others, within the East and wider Sub-Saharan Africa regions. In 2017 and 2018, Mercy was a board member and the Chair of the Telecoms Assembly within the East Africa Communications Organization. She is currently a board member of InAble.org, a non-profit organization that advocates for digital accessibility and inclusion for persons with visual disability.
Adam has Specialties in Public Policy, Technology for Development, CSR strategy, Stakeholder engagement, supply chain issues, strategic philanthropy and Corporate-NGO partnerships, access to technology, access to healthcare, sustainable investment, sustainable finance, education, youth leadership, poverty reduction, sustainability/CSR reporting, deep understanding of CSR issues for major industries, business development, partnership development, training. In short, he is an expert on Public Affairs, CSR and philanthropy in Africa and China and, as a Westerner, able to bridge the gap between West and East, comfortable at working in English and in Chinese and with people from all cultures. He also has excellent management and leadership abilities.
Adam has Specialties in Public Policy, Technology for Development, CSR strategy, Stakeholder engagement, supply chain issues, strategic philanthropy and Corporate-NGO partnerships, access to technology, access to healthcare, sustainable investment, sustainable finance, education, youth leadership, poverty reduction, sustainability/CSR reporting, deep understanding of CSR issues for major industries, business development, partnership development, training. In short, he is an expert on Public Affairs, CSR and philanthropy in Africa and China and, as a Westerner, able to bridge the gap between West and East, comfortable at working in English and in Chinese and with people from all cultures. He also has excellent management and leadership abilities.
Ali is a C-Level Executive with extensive experience in Strategy, Marketing, New Media, Business Development, Start ups and turn around situations.
He has Board level experience in both For-Profit and Not-For-Profit Organisations.
He likes to spend part of his time (about 10%) engaging with IT policy at both the Global and local level. He is a regular commenter on Internet Freedom and Net Neutrality.
He also spare time to mentor young Techpreneurs around the Tech Start Up belt - #OffNgongRoad - in Nairobi, Kenya.
His specialities include Corporate Strategy, Digital Marketing, Business Development, Strategic Marketing, Sales Management, Corporate Development, CRM, Strategic Management, General Management, New Media, Internet Policy, Enterprise Marketing Management
Ali is a C-Level Executive with extensive experience in Strategy, Marketing, New Media, Business Development, Start ups and turn around situations.
He has Board level experience in both For-Profit and Not-For-Profit Organisations.
He likes to spend part of his time (about 10%) engaging with IT policy at both the Global and local level. He is a regular commenter on Internet Freedom and Net Neutrality.
He also spare time to mentor young Techpreneurs around the Tech Start Up belt - #OffNgongRoad - in Nairobi, Kenya.
His specialities include Corporate Strategy, Digital Marketing, Business Development, Strategic Marketing, Sales Management, Corporate Development, CRM, Strategic Management, General Management, New Media, Internet Policy, Enterprise Marketing Management
'Gbenga is the Executive Director of Paradigm Initiative, a pan-African social enterprise working on digital inclusion and digital rights through its offices in Cameroon, Kenya, Nigeria, Senegal, Zambia and Zimbabwe. He is also a Non-Resident Fellow at the Digital Civil Society Lab at Stanford University. Prior to starting Paradigm Initiative, ‘Gbenga led the Lagos Digital Village, a joint project of Junior Achievement of Nigeria, Microsoft and Lagos State Government. Originally trained as an Electronic & Electrical Engineer at Obafemi Awolowo University, he completed Executive Education programs at Lagos Business School, New York Group for Technology Transfer, Oxford University, Harvard University, Stanford University, Santa Clara University and University of the Pacific. ‘Gbenga’s consulting experience includes assignments completed for numerous institutions, including Microsoft, Harvard University and United Nations agencies, among others, in over 30 countries. A Schwab Foundation Social Entrepreneur of the Year and former member of the United Nations Committee of eLeaders on Youth and ICT, he is a CyberStewards Fellow, Crans Montana Forum Fellow, Archbishop Desmond Tutu Leadership Fellow, Ashoka Fellow, Our Common Future Fellow and Cordes Fellow. ‘Gbenga served as a member of the Presidential committees on Harmonization of Information Technology, Telecommunications and Broadcasting Sectors (2006) and Roadmap for the Achievement of Accelerated Universal Broadband Infrastructure and Services Provision (2013), and was listed by CNN as one of the Top 10 African Tech Voices on Twitter and by Ventures Africa as one of 40 African Legends Under 40. ‘Gbenga is married to Temilade Sesan, PhD, an expert on Energy Poverty and Development. He advised the World Health Organisation on Data Privacy during the early days of the coronavirus pandemic and is advising the World Economic Forum on its Operationalising Trust Project, to develop rights-respecting Data Policy for businesses.
'Gbenga is the Executive Director of Paradigm Initiative, a pan-African social enterprise working on digital inclusion and digital rights through its offices in Cameroon, Kenya, Nigeria, Senegal, Zambia and Zimbabwe. He is also a Non-Resident Fellow at the Digital Civil Society Lab at Stanford University. Prior to starting Paradigm Initiative, ‘Gbenga led the Lagos Digital Village, a joint project of Junior Achievement of Nigeria, Microsoft and Lagos State Government. Originally trained as an Electronic & Electrical Engineer at Obafemi Awolowo University, he completed Executive Education programs at Lagos Business School, New York Group for Technology Transfer, Oxford University, Harvard University, Stanford University, Santa Clara University and University of the Pacific. ‘Gbenga’s consulting experience includes assignments completed for numerous institutions, including Microsoft, Harvard University and United Nations agencies, among others, in over 30 countries. A Schwab Foundation Social Entrepreneur of the Year and former member of the United Nations Committee of eLeaders on Youth and ICT, he is a CyberStewards Fellow, Crans Montana Forum Fellow, Archbishop Desmond Tutu Leadership Fellow, Ashoka Fellow, Our Common Future Fellow and Cordes Fellow. ‘Gbenga served as a member of the Presidential committees on Harmonization of Information Technology, Telecommunications and Broadcasting Sectors (2006) and Roadmap for the Achievement of Accelerated Universal Broadband Infrastructure and Services Provision (2013), and was listed by CNN as one of the Top 10 African Tech Voices on Twitter and by Ventures Africa as one of 40 African Legends Under 40. ‘Gbenga is married to Temilade Sesan, PhD, an expert on Energy Poverty and Development. He advised the World Health Organisation on Data Privacy during the early days of the coronavirus pandemic and is advising the World Economic Forum on its Operationalising Trust Project, to develop rights-respecting Data Policy for businesses.
Andrew joined KENIC on February1st, 2023. He joined KENIC from Sambali Group Ltd where he was building a technology and government affairs advisory practice. Before starting his practice, Andrew worked at Checkpoint Software Technologies advising the government and telcos on Cybersecurity investments. He is an experienced digital economy and public policy professional with a wealth of experience in software/technology sales, country marketing/positioning, strategic planning, project management, government affairs and product development, having spent over 18 years in various roles within the public and private sectors. Some of the organisations that have shaped Andrew’s career include ICT Authority, Safaricom, Oracle, International Trade Centre, and Cellulant. He also lectured in project management at the Kenya Methodist University (Nairobi campus). Andrew has research interests in the convergence of policy, development and the digital economy.
Andrew joined KENIC on February1st, 2023. He joined KENIC from Sambali Group Ltd where he was building a technology and government affairs advisory practice. Before starting his practice, Andrew worked at Checkpoint Software Technologies advising the government and telcos on Cybersecurity investments. He is an experienced digital economy and public policy professional with a wealth of experience in software/technology sales, country marketing/positioning, strategic planning, project management, government affairs and product development, having spent over 18 years in various roles within the public and private sectors. Some of the organisations that have shaped Andrew’s career include ICT Authority, Safaricom, Oracle, International Trade Centre, and Cellulant. He also lectured in project management at the Kenya Methodist University (Nairobi campus). Andrew has research interests in the convergence of policy, development and the digital economy.
Mr. Walubengo holds an MSc in Strategic Business IT (University of Portsmouth) and a BSc in Mathematics (Kenyatta University). He holds several industry certifications including the CDPSE, (Certified Data Privacy Solutions Engineer) CCNA (Certified Cisco Network Associate) and the CISA (Certified Information Systems Auditor) certification. His area of specialisation is in ICT Governance, Security, Policy & Strategy.
He has over 20 years experience in the ICT Training and Consulting. His work experience included working for the Strathmore University as the IT Course Director and as the founding Dean, Faculty of Computing at the Multimedia University. He is currently a PhD candidate at the University of Nairobi and continues to provide Consultancy services to Government and other organisations.
Most recently, he was appointed a member of two critical Taskforces looking into emerging technologies and policies. These are the National TaskForce on Blockchain & Artificial Intelligence as well as the Data Protection Taskforce respectively. They completed their work and handed in the reports to the ICT Cabinet secretary in the year 2019.
Mr. Walubengo holds an MSc in Strategic Business IT (University of Portsmouth) and a BSc in Mathematics (Kenyatta University). He holds several industry certifications including the CDPSE, (Certified Data Privacy Solutions Engineer) CCNA (Certified Cisco Network Associate) and the CISA (Certified Information Systems Auditor) certification. His area of specialisation is in ICT Governance, Security, Policy & Strategy.
He has over 20 years experience in the ICT Training and Consulting. His work experience included working for the Strathmore University as the IT Course Director and as the founding Dean, Faculty of Computing at the Multimedia University. He is currently a PhD candidate at the University of Nairobi and continues to provide Consultancy services to Government and other organisations.
Most recently, he was appointed a member of two critical Taskforces looking into emerging technologies and policies. These are the National TaskForce on Blockchain & Artificial Intelligence as well as the Data Protection Taskforce respectively. They completed their work and handed in the reports to the ICT Cabinet secretary in the year 2019.
Mwendwa Kivuva is an experienced ICT practitioner. He has worked in different national and multinational organisations as a Network Engineer, Systems Analyst, Systems Administrator, Project Manager, and Chief Technology Officer. He has over 15 years of experience in managing information systems, and formulating ICT and Internet Governance policies at the government, private sector, civil society, and multi-national level.
Mwendwa Kivuva is an experienced ICT practitioner. He has worked in different national and multinational organisations as a Network Engineer, Systems Analyst, Systems Administrator, Project Manager, and Chief Technology Officer. He has over 15 years of experience in managing information systems, and formulating ICT and Internet Governance policies at the government, private sector, civil society, and multi-national level.
Dr. Melissa Omino is an intellectual property expert. Her current research focuses on the development and negotiation of IP provisions in trade agreements involving countries from the Global South. To this end, she initiated research at CIPIT concerning the US-Kenya Free Trade Agreement. She also represents the Center at the Digital Trade Alliance coordinated by Public Citizen. She is the Co-Director of the Data Governance Center under CIPIT that focuses on research that impacts data protection policy-making within the region. Melissa also contributes to research involving Artificial Intelligence at the Center.
Melissa is an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya. She practices commercial, conveyancing, and intellectual property law in Kenya. In her free time, she coordinates the IP enthusiasts group IPCheckIn which she cofounded.
Dr. Melissa Omino is an intellectual property expert. Her current research focuses on the development and negotiation of IP provisions in trade agreements involving countries from the Global South. To this end, she initiated research at CIPIT concerning the US-Kenya Free Trade Agreement. She also represents the Center at the Digital Trade Alliance coordinated by Public Citizen. She is the Co-Director of the Data Governance Center under CIPIT that focuses on research that impacts data protection policy-making within the region. Melissa also contributes to research involving Artificial Intelligence at the Center.
Melissa is an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya. She practices commercial, conveyancing, and intellectual property law in Kenya. In her free time, she coordinates the IP enthusiasts group IPCheckIn which she cofounded.
Angela Minayo is an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya and the Lead Programs Officer at Kenya ICT Action Network for the Women Digital Rights Program. She works at the intersection of gender and technology laws and policies. She has implemented programs on online gender based violence, digital
security programs for young women and women in politics, data protection from a gender perspective and inclusion of structurally marginalized women and groups to internet governance policy discussions.
Notably, 2022 she spearheaded production of an e-learning module on Online Gender Based Violence which has been translated into six languages. Angela is keen on conducting more research projects to understand the gendered impact of emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence.
Angela Minayo is an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya and the Lead Programs Officer at Kenya ICT Action Network for the Women Digital Rights Program. She works at the intersection of gender and technology laws and policies. She has implemented programs on online gender based violence, digital
security programs for young women and women in politics, data protection from a gender perspective and inclusion of structurally marginalized women and groups to internet governance policy discussions.
Notably, 2022 she spearheaded production of an e-learning module on Online Gender Based Violence which has been translated into six languages. Angela is keen on conducting more research projects to understand the gendered impact of emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence.
David Omwoyo is the current Chief Executive Officer of the Media Council of Kenya (MCK), the national regulator of Kenya’s vibrant media sector. He has over 15 years’ experience in journalism, media training and management, spanning the public, private, religious and non-governmental sectors. Before joining the MCK, he was the Managing Director of Waumini Communications and Communications Director for the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops for 6 years growing an enviable countrywide media network. He also worked in academia, as Fundraising and Donor Relations Manager at Egerton University, with responsibility for institutional advancement and donor relations.
An advocate of devolution, David oversaw and coordinated the establishment of more than 18 community radios in different parts of the country to promote community dialogue for sustainable peace and rural development.
David Omwoyo is the current Chief Executive Officer of the Media Council of Kenya (MCK), the national regulator of Kenya’s vibrant media sector. He has over 15 years’ experience in journalism, media training and management, spanning the public, private, religious and non-governmental sectors. Before joining the MCK, he was the Managing Director of Waumini Communications and Communications Director for the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops for 6 years growing an enviable countrywide media network. He also worked in academia, as Fundraising and Donor Relations Manager at Egerton University, with responsibility for institutional advancement and donor relations.
An advocate of devolution, David oversaw and coordinated the establishment of more than 18 community radios in different parts of the country to promote community dialogue for sustainable peace and rural development.
Impactful events and sessions scheduled during the Kenya IGF Week
Kenya Youth IGF is a youth-led structure to develop the capacity for coordinating, mobilizing and advocating for meaningful inclusion and engagement of young people in the Kenya IGF in partnership with industry stakeholders to address key Internet issues. Following the success of last year’s edition, this year’s Kenya YouthIGF aims at serving as an interactive discussion platform for organized youth participation from all stakeholder groups to bring up their ideas and concerns.
Explore the Data Protection and Privacy challenges and opportunities for the Youth
The Kenya Internet Governance Forum (IGF) is an open and inclusive multi-stakeholder forum where public policy issues related to key elements of Internet governance, such as the Internet’s sustainability, robustness, security, stability, and development are discussed.
KeSIG takes place from 2nd June to 21 June 2023. KeSIG’s mission is to increase the capacity of key actors and potential actors in the local internet governance space. These include traditional human rights defenders and civil society organizations, students, academia, the tech community, and government departments.
"The knowledge from the KeSIG course created a foundation for me to become a Digital Government Advisor."
“There are many jobs with the emergence of new technologies like Artificial Intelligence. There is value in technology, we have only refused to train for the skills.”
“I have been able to file a case at the High Court on the illegal registrations of parties to political parties using data that was illegally or irregularly obtained by political parties. I was able to define concepts that I learnt from this course and had better conceptualization."
"I now have the skills and knowledge to engage in wider internet governance discussions as well as the responsibility to create awareness and invite other stakeholders in, as the field is perceived as an exclusive reserve for the technical community."
Get tickets for the 2023 Kenya Youth IGF
See what other people are saying about us
