By: Van
Soul Addey
Kenya and the United States
are exploring opportunities to deepen collaboration across emerging
technologies, the creative economy and joint research initiatives as the two
countries seek to strengthen their bilateral partnership.
Kenya’s Special Envoy on
Technology, Ambassador Philip Thigo, said the discussions took place in Nairobi
with visiting colleagues from the U.S. Department of State’s Public Diplomacy
and Public Affairs team, following engagements in Silicon Valley in July under
the Digital NEXT: Protecting Digital Liberties in the AI Era programme.
The programme was led by
Sarah B. Rogers, U.S. Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy and Public
Affairs.
Thigo said the discussions
built on earlier engagements with American technology companies and
institutions and explored ways to expand access to emerging technologies,
connect Kenyan researchers and innovators with American institutions, support
the country’s growing creative industries and strengthen capacity to develop,
adapt and apply technologies to local priorities.
“Through the Office of the
Special Envoy on Technology, we are advancing these partnerships in support of
Kenya's digital transformation, research and innovation priorities, with
particular attention to access, institutional excellence and opportunities for
experimentation,” Thigo said.
The visiting U.S. delegation
included Brian Gibel, Director of the Office of Policy, Planning and Resources
for Public Diplomacy; Lilian deValcourt-Ayala, Director of the Office of Public
Diplomacy and Congressional and Public Affairs in the Bureau of African
Affairs; Yolanda Robinson, Executive Director for Public Diplomacy; and Esther
Kim, Special Assistant in the Office of Policy, Planning and Resources for
Public Diplomacy.
Thigo also acknowledged the
continued support of colleagues at the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi, expressing
appreciation for their guidance and collaboration in advancing the engagements
and strengthening Kenya–US bilateral relations.
