Lee Kinyanjui: Kenya is Leading the Pack in Africa’s Internet and Tech Growth

Trade Cabinet Secretary, Lee Kinyanjui, has announced that the country is now at the forefront of Africa’s digital revolution.

Speaking on a local radio station on Tuesday, August 8, 2025, Kinyanjui praised the country’s progress in internet access and technology adoption, describing it as a major shift from its traditional economy.

“In the area of industry, it’s good to know that where the country was 20 or 30 years ago, when we were a coffee- and tea-driven economy, that has completely changed,” the trade CS stated.

Adding;

“Kenya is now leading in the digital space, and I think more and more, the conversations will be around how we can grow our digital footprint across Africa.”

Kinyanjui noted that the country’s growth in internet connectivity has placed it at the top among African nations.

“When we come to internet penetration, I think Kenya leads in Africa. We have very respected positions even in terms of manpower and so on,” he added.

Kinyanjui noted that Kenya has long relied on agriculture, especially exports of tea, coffee, and horticultural produce. However, over the last two decades, the country has made deliberate efforts to diversify its economy and invest in innovation and technology.

Today, he said Kenya is globally recognised for mobile money services like M-Pesa and is home to a thriving tech ecosystem, the “Silicon Savannah.”

Digital transformation

The government has actively supported digital initiatives through policy, education, and infrastructure investment. Kinyanjui emphasised that the country’s digital shift has also opened new doors for youth employment, innovation, and regional leadership in technology.

As internet access expands and more Kenyans get online, Kinyanjui believes the country will continue to shape the digital future of the continent.

“We must keep building on this momentum and ensure that Kenya’s digital footprint grows stronger and wider across Africa,” he added.

Kenya’s digital ambitions are guided by the Digital Economy Blueprint, launched in 2019. The strategy outlines five key pillars: digital infrastructure, digital services and data management, digital entrepreneurship, digital skills and values, and a supportive policy and legal environment.

The blueprint aims to transform Kenya into a digital-first economy by leveraging technology to improve government service delivery, promote innovation, and increase access to digital tools for all citizens, especially in rural areas.