Kenya Deputy President opens Global Data Festival and Space Expo
Date: 2026-06-02
By: Nana Appiah Acquaye
Kenya's Deputy President,
H.E. Prof. Kithure Kindiki, has officially opened the Global Data Festival and
Kenya Space Expo & Conference in Nairobi, emphasizing the growing
importance of data in shaping economic development, innovation and public service
delivery.
Speaking at the opening
ceremony, Kindiki described data as a critical driver of change that influences
planning, competitiveness, innovation and access to services across modern
economies.
He noted that data plays a
central role in key sectors including agriculture, climate adaptation, disaster
risk management, environmental monitoring and sustainable development, making
it an essential resource for governments and organizations worldwide.
The Deputy President also
highlighted the challenges associated with unequal access to digital
infrastructure, capital and technical skills, warning that disparities in data
access and utilization could widen socio-economic gaps between communities and
nations.
The conference has attracted
more than 1,000 delegates from 65 countries, including representatives from
governments, international organizations, academia, civil society groups,
data-focused institutions and private sector stakeholders.
Organizers say the event
provides a platform for global dialogue on the role of data and space
technologies in addressing development challenges and advancing evidence-based
decision-making.
The Global Data Festival and
Kenya Space Expo & Conference is expected to facilitate collaboration among
policymakers, researchers, innovators and industry leaders while exploring new
opportunities to leverage data for inclusive and sustainable development.
