By Josiah Kariuki
Kenya has stepped up its engagement with the European Union (EU) on digital policy and regulation.
This is in a deliberate effort to position the country for emerging technologies and expand connectivity across the country.
Principal Secretary for ICT Stephen Isaboke held talks with Renate Nikolay, Deputy Director-General at the European Commission’s digital department, in discussions that focused on strengthening cooperation in technology governance and connectivity.
The meeting signals growing collaboration between Kenya and the EU in shaping policies around artificial intelligence, digital platforms, and telecommunications—areas increasingly seen as central to economic growth and public service delivery.
Officials said the talks centred on aligning legal and regulatory frameworks to support responsible digital expansion.
Kenya is seeking to refine its policies in line with global standards while maintaining space for innovation in its fast-growing tech sector.
The European Union’s Digital Services Act featured prominently in the discussions, with both sides exploring lessons on platform accountability, user protection, and transparency in online spaces.
Issues such as spectrum management, liberalisation of the telecommunications sector, and the use of satellite and direct-to-device technologies were highlighted as critical to improving connectivity, particularly in underserved areas.
Kenya continues to face disparities in internet access between urban and rural regions, with limited infrastructure in some parts slowing efforts to achieve universal connectivity.
Officials view international partnerships as key to closing this gap and unlocking economic opportunities tied to the digital economy.
The meeting brought together senior officials from both sides, including representatives from the European Commission and the EU Delegation to Kenya.
On the Kenyan side, Information Secretary Temesi Mukani and Public Communication Secretary Patricia Ondeng were also present.
Kenya, widely regarded as one of Africa’s leading digital economies, is banking on such partnerships to strengthen its regulatory environment while supporting innovation in sectors such as fintech, e-commerce, and digital media.