By Opeoluwa Okudero 
Kenya is set to host the first-ever Ai Everything Kenya x GITEX Kenya event in May 2026, further establishing its position as a regional hub for digital innovation, AI development, and green industrialisation.
Organised by KAOUN International, the global producers of GITEX, in partnership with Kenya’s Office of the Special Envoy on Technology and African tech firm dx⁵, the event will run from May 19–21, 2026 in Nairobi.
A Strategic Move Amid Rapid Digital Growth
Kenya’s AI market is projected to add $2.4 billion to GDP by 2030 and create over 300,000 jobs by 2028, making this event a strategic opportunity to attract international partnerships and investment in digital transformation.
The launch of the event follows Kenya’s rollout of a national AI Strategy and aligns with broader development frameworks like the Kenya National Digital Master Plan 2022–2032 and the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).
A Global Tech Stage in East Africa
Ai Everything Kenya x GITEX Kenya is expected to be East Africa’s largest tech and startup event, uniting policymakers, tech leaders, academia, civil society, and development partners. It also joins the global GITEX portfolio, which spans the UAE, Nigeria, Morocco, Germany, Singapore, and more.
“This moment underscores our commitment to digital inclusion and our role as global technology creators—not just adopters,” said Amb. Philip Thigo, Kenya’s Special Envoy on Technology.
Hon. Eliud Owalo, Cabinet Secretary for ICT, noted that the event affirms Kenya’s leadership in using AI for economic inclusion and public service reform. It also reinforces Nairobi’s ambition to become a multilateral hub for digital diplomacy, alongside hosting the 2026 Global Data Festival.
Six Core Themes, One Bold Vision
The event will feature a global summit and exhibition focused on six key areas:
- Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- Agritech
- Cloud Computing
- Cybersecurity
- Internet of Things (IoT)
- Sustainability
Backed by major players like Gulfood, the event will attract startups, SMEs, investors, regulators, and digital promotion agencies to scale Africa-made technologies and spark new public-private partnerships.
“This is more than an event—it’s a catalyst for Africa’s digital transformation,” said Harry Hare, Chairman and Co-founder of dx⁵.
Valentine Alexander
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