Gachagua vows to harness Kenyan tech talent for ICT revival in 2027
By Faith Lagat, August 9, 2025Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has unveiled plans to spearhead a technological revival in Kenya by tapping into the country’s growing pool of tech talent to rejuvenate the Ministry of ICT ahead of the 2027 elections.
Sharing on his X post dated August 9, 2025, he gave insights from a recent visit to Silicon Valley on August 9, 2025 Gachagua highlighted the innovative environment of global tech giants and the strong presence of Kenyan professionals making significant contributions to the sector.
“I must say I have a pretty good idea where to look for a skills mix and our Kenyan Gen Zs who are brilliant and tech-savvy when recruiting personnel to help us reboot the Ministry of ICT back home in the 6th Administration come 2027,” read part of his post.
This vision emerges as Gachagua rebuilds his political influence following his impeachment in October 2024, with a renewed focus on youth empowerment and diaspora engagement.
Silicon Valley visit
During his visit, Gachagua toured tech powerhouses Google and Meta, experiencing firsthand some of the world’s most advanced technologies, including a ride in an AI-driven Jaguar limousine.
He described his visit to Meta—home to Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Threads—as “fascinating and breathtaking.” Founded by Mark Zuckerberg at age 19, Meta now boasts a net worth of Ksh 288 trillion.
A key highlight for Gachagua was meeting 35 young Kenyans holding senior roles in Silicon Valley’s tech scene.
“Listening to them and the great ideas they have on ICT development, I have a pretty good idea where to look for a skills mix and our Kenyan Gen Zs who are brilliant and tech-savvy when recruiting personnel to help us reboot the Ministry of ICT back home in the 6th Administration come 2027,” he said.
Diaspora engagement
Gachagua’s tech-focused agenda dovetails with his ongoing outreach to the Kenyan diaspora, whom he sees as crucial partners in national development. In early August, he addressed rallies in Dallas and Baltimore, urging women to vie for leadership roles in the 2027 elections and praising diaspora patriotism and remittances. “Their pain and ours on the state of our nation remain intertwined,” he noted, pledging to collaborate with them to “reboot the economic, political, and moral direction of our country.” He acknowledged the diaspora’s keen awareness of Kenya’s challenges and their potential role in shaping its future.
Charting a tech-driven future
As Gachagua continues to navigate the political aftermath of his impeachment and forge alliances with key figures like Kalonzo Musyoka and Fred Matiang’i, his focus on technology positions him as a forward-looking leader. Kenya’s tech startup ecosystem, which boasted over 500 ventures according to a 2022 World Bank report, stands to benefit from his plan to harness diaspora expertise and overcome infrastructure hurdles.
This approach aims to catalyse a tech-driven revival of the country’s ICT sector, paving the way for sustained growth and innovation by 2027.