Kenya takes centre stage in historic UN digital cooperation milestone
By Faith Lagat, December 18, 2025Kenya has taken centre stage in historic global digital governance after the United Nations General Assembly unanimously adopted the WSIS+20 outcome document on December 17, 2025, during a plenary session at UN Headquarters in New York.
The adoption without a vote marked a major milestone in global digital cooperation, reviewing progress made since the World Summit on the Information Society processes held in 2003 and 2005, and reaffirming commitments to inclusive, people-centred information societies.
Kenya played a central role in the process as co-facilitator alongside Albania, helping guide negotiations and shape the final outcome document at a time when countries are grappling with widening digital divides and rapid technological change.
Kenya’s role in WSIS+20 process
Principal Secretary in the State Department for Broadcasting and Telecommunications, Stephen Isaboke, highlighted the achievement in a post on X dated December 18, 2025.
“The United Nations General Assembly adopted without a vote the WSIS+20 outcome document of the High-Level Meeting on the Twenty-Year Review of the World Summit on Information Society (WSIS+20) during a plenary session at UN Headquarters. This is a landmark milestone in global digital cooperation.”
He underscored Kenya’s contribution to the negotiations, noting, “Kenya, as co-facilitator alongside Albania, delivered comments reaffirming our commitment to inclusive, people-centred information societies and bridging digital divides.”
Isaboke also acknowledged individuals and institutions involved in the process. “Special recognition to the Albanian delegation, who were our co-facilitators, for their exceptional leadership. Deep appreciation to the Kenyan delegation for their dedicated efforts in achieving this success.”
Bilateral engagements and partnerships
On the sidelines of the WSIS+20 High-Level Meeting, Kenya held bilateral engagements highlighting its growing influence in global digital policy.
Isaboke said, “Held a bilateral meeting with @JitinPrasada, MP, the Minister of State for Commerce and Industry, Electronics and Information Technology in the Republic of India… We discussed enhancing collaboration between India and Kenya, particularly in AI and digital payments. Prasada also extended an invitation to Kenya to participate in their upcoming AI Impact Summit.”
He emphasised leadership alignment, stating that leadership must socialise the AI agenda and achieve a common understanding. Looking forward to the alignment of ideologies and further collaboration with the Republic of India.
Digital future
Isaboke also represented Kenya at a Kenya-Albania High-Level Reception during the WSIS+20 High-Level Event.
Speaking at the Kenya-Albania High-Level Reception held alongside the WSIS+20 High-Level Event, Isaboke underscored the importance of multilateral cooperation and stakeholder engagement in shaping the outcome of the review process.
He noted that the review takes place at a defining moment for the digital future. It reaffirms our collective commitment to bridging digital divides and leveraging ICTs to advance sustainable development and shared prosperity.