Kenya is stepping up efforts to strengthen its digital infrastructure, with the government advancing plans to expand data centres and AI-enabled cloud services as part of a broader strategy to grow the digital economy.

Principal Secretary in the State Department for ICT and the Digital Economy, John Tanui, said the government is working to create an enabling environment for data centre operators and cloud service providers.

Speaking at a stakeholder consultative forum, he said Kenya is emerging as a key destination for global digital infrastructure investment. “Kenya is increasingly becoming a preferred destination for global data centres and Artificial Intelligence infrastructure,” he said.

He cited expanded internet connectivity, supportive regulations, renewable energy potential, and rising regional demand for cloud and AI services as key drivers of growth.

Kenya already hosts major data centre operators, including Safaricom, Oracle, Liquid Intelligent Technologies, iColo, alongside the Konza National Data Centre. The government has also expanded terrestrial fibre networks to improve connectivity and regional integration.

Stakeholder engagement and policy direction

The forum brought together representatives from the Konza National Data Centre, ICT Authority, Kenya Revenue Authority, Office of the Data Protection Commissioner, Liquid Telecom, Safaricom, Oracle, Atlantis, TESPOK and the Special Economic Zones Authority.

Discussions focused on regulatory frameworks and policy measures aimed at attracting further investment in data centres and cloud services.

Tanui noted that Oracle’s decision to establish a cloud region in Kenya reflects growing international confidence in the country’s digital infrastructure and long-term growth prospects. Stakeholders also reviewed the role of public-private partnerships in expanding digital capacity and improving service delivery across sectors.

AI integration in tourism and key sectors

The digital expansion comes alongside broader efforts to integrate artificial intelligence into key economic sectors. Kenya has entered a partnership with Google Kenya to modernise the tourism industry through data-driven systems.

Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano said the initiative will support the country’s transition into a smart tourism destination. A real-time Tourism Pulse Data Hub powered by Google Cloud will provide analytics for decision-making, while an AI-powered trip planner will generate personalised travel itineraries.

The project also includes digital skills training for youth and small tourism enterprises, as well as the creation of tech-enabled jobs.

Google Sub-Saharan Africa Managing Director Alex Okosi said the collaboration aims to strengthen a more resilient and inclusive tourism ecosystem.

The government says expansion of cloud and data infrastructure will support wider adoption of AI in sectors such as agriculture, finance and healthcare, positioning Kenya as a regional hub for digital services.